The Trans-Gender Portrayal of Crime in Film

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Trans-gendered individuals and their rights have been largely ignored with regards to criminal justice policy. Only recently the U.S. Pentagon made the unprecedented move to authorize the transfer of Pvt. Chelsea Manning to a civilian prison to address her gender transition. Why transgendered individuals have engaged in crime, and the context in which they engage in crime, has not been examined to a great extent. This study is a media analysis of how trans-gendered individuals have been portrayed in film, specifically in the context of crime/prison. This study will utilize queer and gender theory to examine these findings. Given the vast influence of media on public opinion, how trans-people are framed by the media in regards to crime may help to explain how they are seen and treated in the broader context of the community. From this, I hope to create a better understanding in order for criminal justice policy to be better informed in regard to the the improved treatment of trans-gendered individuals.

Author

• Victoria Ginsley, University of Ontario Institute of Technology