Article published in:
Journal of Language and Sexuality
Vol. 8:2 (2019) ► pp. 221–241

Communicating trans identity

Toward an understanding of the selection and significance of gender identity-based terminology

| Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
This paper will analyze a series of qualitative interviews to better understand the selection and significance of gender identity-based terminology used by trans persons in the United Kingdom. An analysis of factors such as the perceived understanding of terminology available at a given historical moment (i.e. transgender, transman, trans, etc.), identity of interactors (i.e. trans or cis identified), and purpose of interaction (i.e. legal, medical) will be considered to better understand the terminology chosen by individuals to construct and communicate their gender identity in a way that has meaning both to themselves as well as to those with whom they are communicating. Analysis will help to develop a deeper understanding of the importance of terminology in how trans persons understand and communicate their gender identity.
Keywords: gender expression, gender identity, sociolinguistics, transgender identity, transgender studies, transsexual
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Methods and data analysis
  • 3.Shifting terminology across the life course and historical moments
  • 4.The (non)importance of corresponding bodily changes
  • 5.The identity of interactants
  • 6.The importance of the material consequences of contextual factors
  • 7.Conclusions: Improved understandings of communicating gender identity
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 20 August 2019
https://doi.org/10.1075/jls.19001.rya
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