Trans Terminology and Definitions in Research on Transphobia

The understanding of transphobia and discrimination against trans people depends on the definition itself of 'trans people'. However, trans terminology is not unambiguous. In this paper I identify terms and definitions commonly used in contemporary scientific research on transphobia (2005-...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Aguirre-Sánchez-Beato, Sara
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:200724
Acceso en línea:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/200724
https://dx.doi.org/urn:doi:10.5565/rev/qpsicologia.1453
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Transgender
Transsexual
Transphobia
Reviewtransphobia
Discrimination
Transgénero
Transexual
Transfobia
Revisión
Descripción
Sumario:The understanding of transphobia and discrimination against trans people depends on the definition itself of 'trans people'. However, trans terminology is not unambiguous. In this paper I identify terms and definitions commonly used in contemporary scientific research on transphobia (2005-2016) in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. A review of literature and a qualitative content analysis were carried out. Eight themes were identified within the definitions: identity, expression, sex-gender binary, man-woman binary, body modifications, medical diagnosis, anti-pathological claim and political claim. Different terms are used to emphasise different definitions . I argue that the polysemy of trans terminology raises a concern for studies relying on a fixed and robust definition of trans people. Moreover, research should pay attention to the definitions that it establishes and their effects. Examining gender norms and relying on trans people's self-definitions seems a more fertile approach to understanding transphobia.