Abstract:

A number of recent debates in gender studies have focused upon the links between gender and sex, and the question of whether or not it is viable at this moment in time to ‘undo’ gender (e.g. Lorber, 2000; Butler, 2004; Ruspini, 2007). Within this paper I aim to explore the usefulness of bringing the narratives of transpeople and their partners to bear on these debates. Firstly, I shall briefly review the current theories relating to trans, as well as introducing governmentality as the theoretical framework to be used herein. The research this paper draws upon will be described, in order to introduce the subsequent sections, which review and analyse the narratives of transpeople and their partners, firstly with respect to the overarching influence of the gender binary, and secondly with regard to the strategies employed by individuals to resist binary gender norms. The final substantive section explores the theoretical implications of involving the diverse narratives of both those who conform to and those who diverge from the norms of the gender binary, in debates concerning the undoing of gender. Concluding remarks include consideration of possible ways to move forward past the current impasse between, for example, trans and lesbian feminist theorists, and feminists and post-structuralists.

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ISBN:

0001-8996

Accession Number:

16914211

Abstract:

The article focuses on the efforts of transgender activists against discrimination in New York and Maine. "Restrooms are among the most contested sites for transgender people," says activist Pauline Park, cochair of the New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy. "This settlement is an important legal victory, and I also hope it will help empower transgender people in relation to public accommodations." Park is referring to the antidiscrimination settlement she won in March 2005 against a New York City security company that harassed her for using a women's bathroom in a mall. A 2002 city law, which Park helped to get enacted, prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. Meanwhile, the Hispanic AIDS Forum of New York City had a setback in a similar area. A New York State appeals court dismissed the forum's lawsuit accusing a former landlord of refusing to renew its office lease because its transgender clients were using the building's common-area bathrooms. On the other hand, Maine took a major step forward in protecting transgender people, as Governor John Baldacci signed a law prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, and education on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Maine joins other five other U.S. states and the District of Columbia in banning gender identity-based discrimination.

Notes:

p15-15 1p; 1c

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