Claiming an Identity They Told Me to Deconstruct: The Struggles of a Trans Movement

Those not fitting in the binary gender categories have a long history of organizing, grouping around identities such as transsexuals, transvestites, transgenders, gender benders, queers etc. Trans* movements have their own history, often interlinked with lesbian, bisexual and gay (LGB) movements. In contrast to the American trans studies and movement literature, the trans movement hasn’t been object of much research in Western-Europe academia.

Based on case studies in Norway and Belgium, we provide a comparative perspective on the development of trans movements in countries where, contrary to US, the (welfare) state plays an important role in structuring citizens’ living conditions. We look into the specificities of (a) the use of identity politics within the trans movement (how are social trans organisations organised and institutionalised, what type of identity is claimed and articulated, and who is included/excluded); (b) the role of opponents and counter-movements (how does trans activism relate to LGB and feminist activism, and how are trans, LGB and feminist activities and struggles interrelated as equal rights policies); and (c) the impact of (state) repression and regulation on identity formation, rights and movement, and the possible impact of state recognition on the claims of trans movements.

Insights from our case studies and comparative approach allow us to develop new understandings in the triangle of state, political movements and individual identity in different policies such as the US and European welfare states.