The Matrix of Violence: The Role of Sexuality in Violence against Transgender People

• In Event: 30407 - Trans Life Chances under Institutionalized Violence and Discrimination

Abstract

Interactions that we commonly think of as “gendered violence” often are deeply shaped by beliefs about sexuality. In this talk, I will examine the role of sexuality in gendered violence through a focus on violence against transgender people. I build on past quantitative findings, using new qualitative data to explore patterns of the race and gender of victims and perpetrators, as well as the relationship between victims and perpetrators. To do so, I use what I term the matrix of violence, a structuring structure in which social systems and institutions interact in ways that shape patterns of violence. Although many people think of this violence as solely about transphobia, and, therefore, only about gender, my data analysis reveals that sexuality plays a central role, shaping who is more likely to be a victim of this violence and who is more likely to be a perpetrator. As such, I argue that Trans Studies scholars should attend to sexuality when studying discrimination and violence against transgender people. I conclude with suggestions for policies and practices to prevent this violence.

Author

• Laurel Westbrook, University of California, Santa Barbara