Beyond the Incongruence of Gender Identity. Expanding the Political-Theoretical Imaginary of Trans Studies

Abstract

This article seeks to reclaim Trans Studies as a space for political-theoretical practice committed to radical social transformation from its current state of superficiality and frustration. In a first step, the article proposes a critique of the ‘gender identity’ paradigm as a unique and fundamental contribution by Trans Studies scholarship, which exposes how the framework of ‘gender identity’ reproduces forms of othering, reductionism and coloniality. Building on this critique, the centrality of ‘gender identity’ as an analytical category in current Trans Studies writing becomes problematic and in need of explanation. In a second step, the article critically interrogates the impact of a liberal transgender rights project and its strategic notion of ‘gender identity’ on Trans Studies scholarship. It argues for the necessity to open up the political-theoretical imaginary of Trans Studies, explicitly including Marxist-feminist currents. The article finally proposes three political-theoretical commitments for Trans Studies.