Redressing the balance: Lived experiences of the harms of visually mediated transgender identity
| Date | 01 May 2020 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0269758019841480 |
| Published date | 01 May 2020 |
| Author | Katie McBride |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
Redressing the balance:
Lived experiences of the
harms of visually mediated
transgender identity
Katie McBride
University of Plymouth, UK
Abstract
Trans* identities have a history of being constructed, regulated and erased. Often a trans* indi-
vidual’s social status is judged by others on the basis of their perception of that individual’s
achievement of normative standards of gender. We are living through a time characterized by the
prioritization of visual identity alongside intense scrutiny of trans* identities in relation to their
authenticity and right to recognition. Research should support a reorientation of scrutiny towards
these issues and acknowledge their relevance to lived experiences of the hegemonic discourse
related to conceptualizations of gender as binary that engulf trans* individuals’ lives. This paper is
informed by empirical research undertaken at the University of Plymouth and in particular
reflections on trans* individuals’ lived experiences of social harms. It contributes to victimology by
presenting a discussion of cultural (re)presentations of the self and processes of othering in
relation to trans* individuals. The adoption of participatory visual-narrative methods as a route
through which to challenge these harmful discourses is proposed. Such methods can refocus our
gaze away from trans* individuals as problematizing the world for others, and on to the lived
experiences of the structures and processes that foster stigmatization and marginalization.
Keywords
Transgender, visual identity, cultural harms, visual representations, visibility, gender binary
Introduction
This paper is informed by empirical research undertaken at the University of Plymouth and in
particular reflections on the lived experiences of trans* individuals in relation to hate and broader
social harms.
1
This paper contributes to criminology by presenting a discussion of cultural
Corresponding author:
Katie McBride, School of Law, Criminology and Government, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies,
University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, UK.
Email: katie.mcbride@plymouth.ac.uk
International Review of Victimology
2020, Vol. 26(2) 163–180
ªThe Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/0269758019841480
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(re)presentations of the self and processes of othering in relation to trans* individuals. The paper
proposes an appropriate methodology to fulfil the identified gap in knowledge of trans* individ-
uals’ lived experiences of contemporary visual culture. It is based upon experience and research
with trans* identified individuals, but also raises issues relevant for ‘non-binary’ (a gender label
used by individuals who do not ascribe to a diametric classification of gender as either ‘male’ or
‘female’) and others who ‘trouble’ hegemonic westernized gender norms. In particular the paper is
interested in examining societal rules related to visual (re)presentation which contribute to stig-
matization and the issues that characterize lived experiences of trans* individuals.
A series of events in the past decade have galvanized mainstream media attention: talk show
appearances by trans* individuals, academic debate (and attempts to ‘no platform’ speakers), and
anti-trans campaigns mounted in the UK and USA. Of note is the highly publicized introduction to
the world of Caitlyn Jenner via her Vanity Fair front page and media interviews. This example of a
well-known reality star, previously known to the world as an elite male athlete, coming out in such
a public way thrust trans* individuals across the globe into the spotlight. It also invited a wave of
media commentary on gender ‘transitions’ and the broader implications for women (and men) (for
example, see Burkett, 2015). This sensationalized public debate highlighted how trans* individuals
lack autonomy or agency over how they are represented and how their identities are exposed to
external, often public, interpretation. This example illustrates concerns about the implications of
(re)presentation for wider trans* acceptance, not least owing to the reductive trans* discourse
deployed through ‘before and after’ narratives and imagery that emphasizes the commodified
process of ‘beautification’ epitomized by Jenner (see Serano, 2007).
This climate poses inherent risks for trans* individuals and this paper calls for thoughtful parti-
cipatory approaches to research that avoid the reproduction of historic harms. Research produced
through these mean si nstead strives to generate data tha tc an influence policy relevant to indiv iduals’
experiences and needs (Bettinger, 2010). This paper and the approach proposed within it acknowl-
edge trans* individuals’ vulnerability within theresearch process and, referencingexamples from the
psycho-medical profession, academia and the media, highlight examples in which state institutions
control trans* (re)presentation and identities. In doing so, it identifies how harm is generated in
relation to the regulation and policing of a binary gender order. Contingent with this are issues of
misrepresentation, imposed (in)visibility, and external and institutional forms of acceptance and
legitimacy. Thesethemes are intrinsic to trans* individuals’ lived experiences, serving to construct,
sustain and reinforce a framework of social stigmatization that continues to restrict individuals’
agency over the expression and performanceof their gender identity and instead requires conformity
to the binary gender order in a contemporary society. The paper illustrates the influence of cultural
institutions’ reductive and transnormative (the hierarchical frameworkagainst which trans* individ-
uals’ gender expression and experiences are held accountable; see Johnson, 2016, for a fuller
exploration) depictions of trans* identities before turning to examine the associations between the
visual and trans*identities, and how some individualshave embraced contemporaryvisual culture as
a mode of self-declaration and resistance. The paperconcludes with a considerationof how academia
can contributeto the generation of new knowledgeusing a participatory visual-narrative approach to
elucidate lived experiences of trans* individuals.
Methods
The issues addressed within this paper emerged during the fieldwork phases of a separate project
exploring trans* individuals’ lived experiences of harm in relation to their gender identity. The
164 International Review of Victimology 26(2)
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