Queering Menstruation: Transgender and Genderqueer Body Politics

• In Event: 2323 - Student Forum Refereed Roundtable
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: 3. Identity, Institutions and Personhood in the Study of Sexuality and Gender

Abstract

Abstract: Menstruation has been historically categorized as “feminine” – a function of the female body that affects women. Trans and genderqueer people face this biological function as a social signal of gender/sex identity. This research involves online ethnographic content analysis of menstruation discourse written by or informed by trans and genderqueer people in addition to 19 interviews with trans and genderqueer participants. The research yields analysis within three gendered/sexed social spheres that trans and genderqueer bodies contest: (1) the gendering of menstrual products; (2) men’s restrooms and (3) healthcare. The findings depict the variety of strategies trans and genderqueer people employ when navigating and interpreting menstruation in relationship to their gender/sex identities. This research has implications for gender/sex relations in society.

Author

• Sarah Elizabeth Frank, University of Wisconsin-Madison