“I’m strictly t4t”: Trans for Trans Connections in the Contemporary

• In Event: 40820 - Section on Sociology of Sex and Gender Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 1: Transgender Consciousness, Realities, and Activism

Abstract

Trans for trans relationships, referred to as “t4t”, are a relationship type specific to trans individuals. Linguistically originating from Craigslist personal ad spaces (Awkward-Rich & Malatino 2022; Konnelly & Crowley 2024), t4t indicates a trans person seeking out and engaging with another trans person. The scope of relationships under the t4t label are often largely associated with sexuality and dating scenes due to their conception in online cruising spaces. Through qualitative analysis, this work assesses the range of what t4t relationships are through 30 in-depth interviews with participants identifying as trans* or otherwise not-cis and falling under the identity of t4t. Preliminary analysis points toward a centering on positive trans experiences in these relationships, something largely underrepresented in both trans studies and broader sociological work (shuster & Westbrook 2022). Further, this work will move away from a “deficit-centered” perspective towards a desire-based framework (Tuck 2009), instead aiming to center the experiences and exploration of trans identity through shared marginalized experiences in connection with one another. By looking at the evolution of how t4t is used as well as how trans people connect with one another, this research will further trans studies and open up the perspectives of trans narratives within trans-specific spaces through a sociological lens.

Author

• Madi Lou Abel, Portland State University