Beyond the Binary (235-0-20)

Instructors

Drew Gonzales

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Intro to Trans Feminism

This course explores the relationship between trans studies and feminist theory with the explicit aim to think feminism, both as a theory and a political movement, by centering the vantage points of transfeminine people of color. This course considers the disparate ways racialization, ability, class, and sexuality combine to structure transfeminine life. Throughout the course, we will seek to answer questions such as: How is trans feminist theory useful for resisting trans-exclusionary and anti-trans politics? Why is it important to think feminism from a transfeminine perspective? In what ways does trans feminism coalesce with other strands of feminism (i.e., Black feminisms, women of color feminisms, abolition feminisms, etc.)? In the first half of the course, we will begin by tracing how gender essentialism, scientific transphobia, and anti-Blackness have historically informed feminist theorizing about transfeminine people. In the latter half, we will turn to issues of visibility and representation to critically examine the way trans femininity circulates in dominant visual and affective economies.

Class Materials (Required)

Provided in Canvas

Class Attributes

U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration is reserved for Gender & Sexuality Studies students