Author (Your Name)

Amy Reznitsky, Colby College

Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Senior Scholars Paper (Colby Access Only)

Department

Colby College. Sociology Dept.

Advisor(s)

McFadden, Margaret

Second Advisor

Heidi Kim

Third Advisor

Maritza Straughn-Williams

Abstract

Reconfiguring Sex: The Paradoxical Relationship between Intersexed and Transgendered Identity explores the connections between medical protocol used to treat intersexuality, and the emergence of a collective transgendered identity. Arguing that transgenderism must be analyzed in the context of intersexed protocol, this paper suggests that transgendered identity ultimately subverts hegemonic constructions of sex and gender even though the initial emergence of transgenderism remains contingent upon the sexism and heterosexism that predominates within the medical industry. By engaging in "deconstructive performance" transgendered individuals illustrate the arbitrary, socially constructed nature of sex and gender. Thus, they work to destabilize nonnative heterosexuality from its perceived natural, static presence created by cultural hegemony. The paper concludes with a detailed examination of the current state of transgendered issues within gay and lesbian politics, and demonstrates that transgendered issues remain pertinent to the growing discourse of queer theory and activism.

Keywords

Transsexualism, Gender identity, Intersexuality -- Social aspects

Comments

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