Passing through the Looking Glass: The Social-psycholgical Dimensions of Transgender Passing

• In Event: 512 - Section on Sex and Gender Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 06. Theorizing and Retheorizing Gender

Abstract

This paper explores the social-psychological dimensions of transgedner passing. It draws on classic sociological theory, including Cooley’s Looking Glass Self to provide a lens to view transgender identity formation and the passing experience. A conceptual framework is proposed to grasp the institutional barriers that may limit transgender access to to vital social resources. A typology of passing that recognizes the influences of social class, race, and ethnicity, as well as the complexities of passing in the transgender and medical communities is also offered.

Authors

• K Mann, Cardinal Stritch University

• Carole J. Hetzel, Cardinal Stritch University