11.6 Transgender studies
12 min read•august 20, 2024
examines the experiences and identities of transgender individuals, challenging traditional binary understandings of gender. It emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the 1990s, drawing insights from fields like sociology, psychology, and literary studies.
The field explores diverse transgender identities and experiences, addressing challenges faced by the community. It analyzes representation in literature, intersections with other identities, and engages with feminist theory and postmodern concepts to challenge dominant gender narratives.
Origins of transgender studies
- Transgender studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the experiences, identities, and representations of transgender individuals
- It emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the late 20th century, drawing on insights from fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and literary studies
- Transgender studies challenges traditional binary understandings of gender and explores the diversity of gender identities and expressions
Early medical perspectives
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- Early medical perspectives on transgender identities often pathologized and stigmatized transgender individuals
- Sexologists such as Richard von Krafft-Ebing and Havelock Ellis described transgender identities as forms of sexual inversion or psychopathology (e.g. "transvestic fetishism")
- Medical interventions such as hormone therapy and gender confirmation surgery were developed in the mid-20th century, but access was often restricted and required conformity to binary gender norms
Emergence as academic discipline
- Transgender studies emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the 1990s, building on earlier work in fields such as gay and lesbian studies and women's studies
- Early transgender studies scholars such as Sandy Stone and challenged medical models of transgender identity and argued for the recognition of transgender people as agents of their own lives and experiences
- The publication of works such as Leslie Feinberg's "Transgender Liberation" (1992) and Kate Bornstein's "Gender Outlaw" (1994) helped to establish transgender studies as a legitimate field of inquiry
Key scholars and theorists
- Sandy Stone, author of "The Empire Strikes Back: A Posttranssexual Manifesto" (1987), is considered a founding figure in transgender studies
- Susan Stryker, author of "Transgender History" (2008) and co-editor of "The Transgender Studies Reader" (2006), has played a key role in shaping the field
- Other influential scholars include Jack Halberstam, author of "Female Masculinity" (1998) and "Trans*: A Quick and Quirky Account of Gender Variability" (2018), and Dean Spade, author of "Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics, and the Limits of Law" (2015)
Transgender identities and experiences
- Transgender identities encompass a wide range of gender identities and expressions that differ from the sex assigned at birth
- Transgender experiences are diverse and shaped by factors such as race, class, sexuality, and ability
- Transgender individuals often face significant challenges and discrimination, including violence, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and legal recognition
Diversity within transgender community
- The transgender community is highly diverse and includes individuals who identify as transgender, nonbinary, , agender, and other gender identities
- Transgender identities intersect with other identities such as race, class, and sexuality, leading to unique experiences and challenges
- Some transgender individuals seek medical interventions such as hormone therapy or surgery, while others do not
Personal narratives and memoirs
- Personal narratives and memoirs have played a key role in shaping public understanding of transgender experiences
- Works such as Jan Morris's "Conundrum" (1974) and Jennifer Finney Boylan's "She's Not There" (2003) have provided intimate portraits of the joys and struggles of transgender life
- Transgender memoirs challenge dominant narratives of transgender identity and highlight the diversity of transgender experiences
Challenges and discrimination faced
- Transgender individuals face high rates of violence, including physical assault, sexual assault, and murder
- Discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations is widespread, and many transgender individuals live in poverty
- Lack of access to competent and affirming healthcare is a major challenge, particularly for transgender individuals of color and those living in rural areas
- Legal recognition of transgender identities is often limited or nonexistent, making it difficult for transgender individuals to change identity documents or access services
Transgender representation in literature
- Transgender characters and themes have a long history in literature, dating back to works such as Virginia Woolf's "Orlando" (1928) and Gore Vidal's "Myra Breckinridge" (1968)
- In recent years, there has been a growing body of literature by and about transgender individuals, reflecting the increasing visibility of transgender identities and experiences
- Transgender representation in literature can challenge dominant narratives of gender and identity, but can also perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions
Portrayal in fiction and poetry
- Fictional works such as Leslie Feinberg's "Stone Butch Blues" (1993) and Imogen Binnie's "Nevada" (2013) have provided nuanced and complex portrayals of transgender characters and experiences
- Poetry collections such as Ely Shipley's "Boy with Flowers" (2008) and Trace Peterson's "Since I Moved In" (2019) explore themes of gender identity, embodiment, and transformation
- Speculative fiction and science fiction have also been important sites of transgender representation, as in works such as Octavia Butler's "Bloodchild" (1984) and Charlie Jane Anders' "All the Birds in the Sky" (2016)
Autobiographical and biographical works
- Autobiographical works such as Janet Mock's "Redefining Realness" (2014) and Juliet Jacques' "Trans: A Memoir" (2015) provide first-hand accounts of transgender experiences and identities
- Biographical works such as Susan Stryker's "Transgender History" (2008) and C. Riley Snorton's "Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity" (2017) situate transgender lives within broader historical and cultural contexts
- Graphic memoirs such as Maia Kobabe's "Gender Queer" (2019) and Kat Blaque's "I'm Ready Now" (2021) use visual storytelling to explore transgender identity and experience
Transgender authors and their impact
- Transgender authors such as Leslie Feinberg, Kate Bornstein, and Julia Serano have made significant contributions to transgender literature and theory
- Works by transgender authors challenge dominant narratives of gender and identity and provide models for transgender creativity and resilience
- Transgender authors have also played a key role in shaping the field of transgender studies and advocating for transgender rights and visibility
Intersections with other identities
- Transgender identities intersect with other identities such as race, class, sexuality, and disability, shaping unique experiences and challenges
- An intersectional approach to transgender studies recognizes the ways in which multiple systems of oppression and marginalization shape transgender lives
- Attending to is crucial for understanding the diversity of transgender experiences and for building coalitions across social justice movements
Race, class, and transgender identity
- Transgender individuals of color face unique challenges and vulnerabilities, including higher rates of poverty, violence, and discrimination
- Works such as Janet Mock's "Redefining Realness" (2014) and Ryka Aoki's "He Mele A Hilo" (2014) explore the intersections of race, class, and transgender identity
- Transgender studies must grapple with the ways in which racism and classism shape access to healthcare, legal recognition, and social support for transgender individuals
Transgender identity and disability
- Many transgender individuals also identify as disabled or have disabilities that shape their experiences and identities
- Works such as Eli Clare's "Exile and Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation" (1999) and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha's "Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice" (2018) explore the intersections of transgender identity and disability
- Transgender studies must challenge ableist assumptions and work towards accessibility and inclusion for transgender individuals with disabilities
Transgender identity and sexuality
- Transgender identities are often conflated with sexual orientation, but gender identity and sexual orientation are distinct aspects of identity
- Many transgender individuals identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other sexual orientations
- Works such as Susan Stryker and Paisley Currah's "Transgender Studies Quarterly" special issue on "Trans/Feminisms" (2016) explore the intersections of transgender identity and sexuality
- Transgender studies must challenge heteronormative assumptions and recognize the diversity of sexual identities and practices among transgender individuals
Transgender theory and criticism
- Transgender theory and criticism examines the social, cultural, and political dimensions of transgender identities and experiences
- It draws on insights from fields such as gender studies, , and critical race theory to analyze the ways in which gender is constructed, regulated, and contested
- Transgender theory and criticism challenges binary and essentialist understandings of gender and advocates for the recognition and empowerment of transgender individuals
Transgender studies vs queer theory
- Transgender studies and queer theory share some common concerns and approaches, but also have distinct histories and focuses
- Queer theory emerged in the early 1990s and focuses on the social and cultural construction of sexual identities and desires, often challenging binary understandings of gender and sexuality
- Transgender studies emerged in the late 1990s and focuses specifically on the experiences and identities of transgender individuals, often emphasizing embodiment, medical interventions, and legal recognition
- Some scholars argue that transgender studies should be seen as a distinct field from queer theory, while others see them as overlapping and complementary
Key concepts and terminology
- Transgender: an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth
- Cisgender: individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth
- Nonbinary: individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female, but may identify as both, neither, or somewhere in between
- : a sense of discomfort or distress with one's assigned sex and/or gender role
- Passing: the ability to be perceived as cisgender or as one's desired gender identity
- : the intersection of and misogyny, often directed at transgender women and transfeminine individuals
Debates and controversies
- There are ongoing debates within transgender studies and activism about issues such as the medicalization of transgender identities, the role of gender confirmation surgery and hormone therapy, and the inclusion of nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals
- Some scholars and activists argue for a more expansive understanding of transgender identity that includes nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals, while others emphasize the specific experiences and needs of transsexual individuals who seek medical interventions
- There are also debates about the relationship between transgender studies and feminism, with some scholars arguing that transgender studies challenges binary gender norms in ways that are compatible with feminist goals, while others see tensions between transgender rights and women's rights
- Transgender studies must grapple with these debates and controversies while working towards greater understanding, inclusion, and justice for transgender individuals
Transgender activism and politics
- Transgender activism and politics have a long and complex history, dating back to the early 20th century and the emergence of organizations such as the Society for Human Rights and the Mattachine Society
- In recent years, transgender activism has gained greater visibility and momentum, with the emergence of national and international organizations such as the National Center for Transgender Equality and the International Transgender Day of Visibility
- Transgender activism seeks to challenge discrimination, violence, and marginalization faced by transgender individuals and to advocate for greater legal and social recognition of transgender identities and rights
History of transgender rights movement
- The transgender rights movement has its roots in the early 20th century, with the emergence of organizations such as the Society for Human Rights (1924) and the Mattachine Society (1950)
- In the 1960s and 1970s, transgender activists such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera played key roles in the and the emergence of the gay liberation movement
- In the 1990s and 2000s, transgender activism gained greater visibility and momentum, with the emergence of organizations such as the International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE) and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
- Key milestones in the transgender rights movement include the removal of homosexuality from the DSM in 1973, the inclusion of gender identity in the federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009, and the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015
Current issues and challenges
- Despite progress in recent years, transgender individuals continue to face significant challenges and discrimination, including high rates of violence, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and legal recognition
- Transgender individuals of color, particularly Black transgender women, face disproportionate rates of violence and discrimination
- There are ongoing debates and controversies within the transgender rights movement about issues such as the role of medical interventions, the inclusion of nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals, and the relationship between transgender rights and women's rights
- Transgender activists are also grappling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated existing inequalities and vulnerabilities faced by transgender individuals
Transgender activism in literature
- Literature has played a key role in shaping public understanding of transgender identities and experiences and in advocating for transgender rights and visibility
- Works such as Leslie Feinberg's "Stone Butch Blues" (1993) and Janet Mock's "Redefining Realness" (2014) have provided powerful accounts of transgender activism and resistance
- Transgender authors and artists have also used their work to challenge dominant narratives of gender and identity and to imagine new possibilities for transgender lives and futures
- Transgender activism in literature seeks to amplify transgender voices and perspectives, to challenge cisnormative assumptions and expectations, and to build solidarity and community among transgender individuals and allies
Transgender studies and feminism
- Transgender studies and feminism share some common concerns and goals, including challenging patriarchal gender norms and advocating for gender equality and justice
- However, there have also been tensions and conflicts between transgender studies and feminism, particularly around issues of gender identity, embodiment, and the inclusion of transgender women in feminist spaces
- Transgender studies challenges some of the foundational assumptions of feminism, including the idea of a universal category of "woman" and the centrality of biological sex in shaping gender identity and experience
Tensions and alliances
- Some feminist scholars and activists have been critical of transgender identities and experiences, arguing that they reinforce or undermine women's rights and spaces
- Other feminist scholars and activists have embraced transgender studies and activism, seeing them as important allies in the struggle for gender justice and equality
- Works such as Julia Serano's "Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity" (2007) and Susan Stryker and Talia M. Bettcher's "Introduction: Trans/Feminisms" (2016) explore the tensions and alliances between transgender studies and feminism
- Transgender studies and feminism must work towards greater understanding, solidarity, and collaboration in order to challenge patriarchal gender norms and advocate for gender justice and equality
Transgender inclusion in feminist spaces
- The inclusion of transgender women in feminist spaces has been a contentious issue, with some feminist scholars and activists arguing that transgender women are not "real" women and that their inclusion undermines women's rights and spaces
- Other feminist scholars and activists have argued for the inclusion of transgender women in feminist spaces, seeing them as important allies in the struggle for gender justice and equality
- Works such as Emi Koyama's "The Transfeminist Manifesto" (2001) and Julia Serano's "Excluded: Making Feminist and Queer Movements More Inclusive" (2013) argue for the inclusion of transgender women in feminist spaces and movements
- Transgender studies challenges feminism to expand its understanding of gender and to recognize the diversity of women's identities and experiences
Transmisogyny and its impact
- Transmisogyny refers to the intersection of transphobia and misogyny, often directed at transgender women and transfeminine individuals
- Transmisogyny shapes the experiences of transgender women in particular ways, including higher rates of violence, poverty, and discrimination
- Works such as Julia Serano's "Whipping Girl" (2007) and Viviane Namaste's "Invisible Lives: The Erasure of Transsexual and Transgendered People" (2000) explore the impact of transmisogyny on transgender women's lives and experiences
- Transgender studies and feminism must work together to challenge transmisogyny and to advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender women and transfeminine individuals
Transgender studies and postmodernism
- Transgender studies and postmodernism share some common concerns and approaches, including challenging binary and essentialist understandings of gender and identity
- Postmodernism emphasizes the social and cultural construction of identity and the ways in which language and discourse shape our understanding of reality
- Transgender studies draws on postmodern insights to analyze the ways in which gender is constructed, regulated, and contested, and to challenge dominant narratives of gender and identity
Challenging binary gender norms
- Transgender studies and postmodernism both challenge binary understandings of gender that assume a strict division between male and female
- Postmodern theorists such as have argued that gender is a social and cultural construct, rather than a natural or essential attribute
- Transgender studies builds on these insights to explore the diversity of gender identities and expressions, including nonbinary and gender nonconforming identities
- Works such as Kate Bornstein's "Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us" (1994) and Riki Anne Wilchins' "Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion and the End of Gender" (1997) challenge binary gender norms and advocate for a more expansive understanding of gender and identity
Performativity and gender identity
- Postmodern theorists such as Judith Butler have argued that gender is not an essential or natural attribute, but rather a performative act that is constructed through language and social interaction
- Transgender studies draws on this idea of performativity to explore the ways in which gender
Key Terms to Review (19)
Autobiography: An autobiography is a self-written account of a person's life, detailing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It often reflects the author's perspective and provides insights into their identity and the context in which they lived. This genre is particularly significant in understanding personal narratives within broader social and cultural movements, such as those related to gender identity and expression.
Cisnormativity: Cisnormativity refers to the societal assumption that all individuals are cisgender, meaning their gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. This concept highlights how mainstream culture prioritizes and normalizes cisgender identities while marginalizing transgender and non-binary identities. It plays a crucial role in shaping social attitudes, policies, and institutions that often overlook or disregard the experiences of those who do not fit into this binary framework.
Coming out: Coming out refers to the process by which individuals disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to others, often signifying a personal affirmation of one's identity. This process can be crucial for those who identify as LGBTQ+, as it can lead to increased authenticity, self-acceptance, and social support while also presenting challenges such as fear of rejection or discrimination.
Gender dysphoria: Gender dysphoria is the psychological condition where an individual experiences significant discomfort or distress due to a mismatch between their assigned gender at birth and their identified gender. This term highlights the emotional and mental challenges faced by those who feel that their gender identity does not align with societal expectations of their assigned sex. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and validating diverse gender identities within the framework of transgender studies.
Gender performativity: Gender performativity is the concept that gender is not an inherent trait or a fixed identity, but rather an ongoing performance shaped by social norms and cultural expectations. This means that individuals 'perform' their gender through repeated behaviors, actions, and expressions that align with societal constructs of masculinity and femininity, making gender a dynamic and fluid process.
Gender stereotypes: Gender stereotypes are widely held beliefs or assumptions about the characteristics, behaviors, and roles that are typically associated with men and women. These stereotypes often reinforce traditional gender roles, suggesting that certain traits are inherently tied to one's gender, thereby influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others within societal contexts.
Genderqueer: Genderqueer is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not fit within the traditional binary of male and female. This identity can encompass a wide range of gender expressions and experiences, often blending aspects of both genders or existing outside of them altogether. Genderqueer people may challenge societal norms about gender, advocating for broader definitions that include non-binary identities.
Graphic narrative: A graphic narrative is a storytelling form that combines visual art with text to convey a story, often utilizing sequential images to create a cohesive narrative experience. This format can encompass various genres and styles, allowing for the exploration of complex themes and emotions through a unique interplay of images and words, enhancing reader engagement and understanding.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that examines how various social identities—such as race, gender, class, and sexuality—intersect and create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. This concept highlights that individuals experience multiple, overlapping forms of oppression or advantage, challenging the idea of a singular identity being the sole factor in one's social experience.
Judith Butler: Judith Butler is a prominent philosopher and gender theorist known for her work on gender performativity, challenging traditional notions of gender and identity. Her theories have significantly influenced discussions around gender roles, female subjectivity, and the understanding of heterosexual and homosexual dynamics, ultimately reshaping contemporary discussions about identity politics and social norms.
Non-binary: Non-binary is a gender identity that does not fit strictly within the categories of male or female. It recognizes that gender exists beyond a binary system, allowing individuals to express their gender in a way that feels authentic to them, which may include elements of both masculinity and femininity or none at all. This term connects to broader discussions about gender identity, expression, and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse experiences in society.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an interdisciplinary field of critical theory that emerged in the early 1990s, focusing on the social construction of gender and sexuality, and challenging the binary understanding of these concepts. It aims to deconstruct established norms and categories related to identity, revealing the complexities and fluidities within sexual and gender identities.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969. This pivotal event is often considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, highlighting the struggle for acceptance and equality in a society that marginalized and criminalized sexual and gender diversity.
Susan Stryker: Susan Stryker is a prominent transgender activist, scholar, and author known for her influential work in the field of transgender studies. Her contributions have significantly shaped the academic landscape surrounding transgender issues, advocating for a deeper understanding of gender identity and expression within society. Through her scholarship, Stryker has emphasized the importance of intersectionality, challenging normative assumptions about gender and highlighting the experiences of marginalized communities.
Trans liberation movement: The trans liberation movement is a social and political effort aimed at achieving equality, acceptance, and rights for transgender individuals. This movement seeks to challenge and dismantle societal norms that oppress trans people, advocating for their visibility and inclusion in all aspects of life, including healthcare, employment, and legal recognition. By addressing systemic discrimination and promoting affirmative policies, the trans liberation movement is pivotal in advancing the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Transgender studies: Transgender studies is an interdisciplinary field focused on the experiences, identities, and issues faced by transgender individuals, examining how gender identity intersects with various social, cultural, and political factors. This field analyzes the representation of transgender lives in literature, media, and society while advocating for the rights and visibility of transgender people. It engages with broader discussions around gender norms and critiques binary conceptions of gender.
Transgenderism: Transgenderism refers to the social and political movement that advocates for the rights and recognition of transgender individuals, who identify with a gender different from the one assigned at birth. This movement emphasizes the importance of gender identity and expression, challenging traditional binary notions of gender. It also involves discussions about societal norms, legal rights, healthcare access, and cultural representation of transgender people.
Transmisogyny: Transmisogyny is a term that refers to the specific discrimination and prejudice faced by transgender women, combining elements of transphobia and misogyny. It reflects the unique challenges that trans women encounter in society due to their gender identity and the societal bias against femininity. This term highlights how both gender identity and gender expression can lead to overlapping forms of oppression that disproportionately affect trans women.
Transphobia: Transphobia refers to the fear, prejudice, or discrimination against transgender individuals or those who do not conform to traditional gender norms. This term encompasses a range of negative attitudes and actions that can manifest in social, political, and institutional contexts, often leading to systemic inequalities and marginalization of transgender people. Understanding transphobia is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by transgender communities and promoting inclusivity and acceptance.