New feature: Trans 101

Helen G sets out a glossary of common terms and definitions

Why a guide to trans* issues at The F Word? This list of common and useful terms was conceived of in response to comments and discussion over on the blog. However, in putting this glossary together, it was hard not to notice how many of the entries aren’t only about trans people, they’re also about feminism, essentialism, binarism and, by implication, how we think about patriarchal oppression.

This is not the first trans 101 to appear online - although there is a degree of overlap, a central core of terms and definitions has evolved, and continues to do so. So I offer that information here in a condensed form in the hope that this will provide a ‘quick reference’ for readers of The F-Word. I am not trying to present a trans studies course, but perhaps it may provide a useful starting point for further reading for those who wish to find out more.

Read on here…

Your Comments

Sal said:

"Why a guide to trans* issues at The F Word?"

Its sad that this should even be a question at all, but as both a young woman, who is also transsexual, and Feminist, I still find I have to 'prove my existence' as a young woman in my own right all the time because I am also a product of being male at birth. And, especially in some Feminist circles. I am a young woman, a Feminist woman, a transwoman, and an at times angry woman. But I am a woman.

I posted this on the Charliegrrl blog a bit earlier...

Beautiful Daughters
http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/beautiful_daughters/videos.jhtml

This is a documentary that follows the first transfemale version of the Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler at the 2004 V-Day (http://v10.vday.org/).

Sal

Posted on 17 March 2008 at 11:52 AM

Laura Woodhouse said:

This is a great resource, thanks Helen. Also, I'd never heard the term pan/omnisexual - that's me - attracted to people, not parts or genders.


Posted on March 17, 2008 12:17 PM

chem_fem said:

It looks like a fascinating read, thanks.

Posted on 17 March 2008 at 2:03 PM

Leigh Woosey said:

A brilliant and comprehensive resource- especially handy for younger readers. Well done to Helen G for putting it together!

Posted on 18 March 2008 at 12:14 PM

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