Erik & Erika

How truly "free" is a choice when power structures exert enormous pressure on our decisions? In Erik & Erika, we follow the fascinating true story of skiing phenomenon Erik(a) Schinegger, who became the women’s downhill ski world champion in 1966. But with the introduction of a new genetic test in 1968, Schinegger, who was declared female at birth and raised as a girl, was found to be intersex. With disqualifications and accusations of fraud, the joy of athletic success gives way to heartbreak as Schinegger is relentlessly pressured to undergo surgeries to make her fully female. In an age with no place in the social dictionary for “intersex”, Erik(a) suddenly finds herself alone, with no support from family or friends, and faced with the most important and agonizing decision of her/his life. 

In a panel discussion after the screening, Assistant Professor Ester Jiresch will question this "free choice" and discuss the complexity of the power structures behind the decision with special guest speakers Mir Abe Marinus, project leader NNID, and researcher Hawun Ratuharati.

Mir Abe Marinus (they/them) works as researcher and project leader at NNID, Expertise centre for sex diversity. Their work focuses on contributing to the acceptance of sex diversity and emancipation of intersex people in society with the help of organisations, companies and municipalities. As a qualitative researcher with a background in (trans)gender and affect studies, they hope to shed more light on the well-being of intersex people in the Netherlands.

Hawun Ratuharati (they/he) identifies as both intersex and transgender, consequently an expert by experience. They are currently doing their Master’s in Clinical Neuropsychology at the RUG and are a member of the Centre of Expertise for the Study of LGBTQIA+ Issues. His research interests are mental health in TNGI (transgender, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, intersex) individuals and making higher education more accessible.

Ester Jiresch (she/her) is assistant professor at the chair of European Culture and Literature at the RUG, and teaches in the University Minor Gender and Diversity in Science, Society and Culture. Her current research examines the cultural representations of transgender and intersex people in contemporary literature and film.

This film screening is part of Queer Science: a series of events for anyone curious about LGBTQ+ related research and art. On three occasions, we bring together researchers, art, and the public to challenge norms and critically engage with science and culture.

Organized by Studium Generale, Usva, the Faculty of Arts, and RUG’s Centre of Expertise for the Study of LGBTQIA+ Issues