The Body Politics of Heteronormative Public Spaces

• In Event: Exploring Queer Stigma and Resilience

Abstract

Anti-discrimination legislation that includes trans* people has lately resulted in pushback from conservative and other anti-trans groups. Even when an equal rights ordinance proposes to cover individuals based on a number of characteristics (e.g., race, sex, familial status, military status, religion, gender identity, disability, and pregnancy) and although these protections extend to a variety of settings (e.g. city services, housing, public accommodations, and employment), in recent years, opponents have quickly risen to rescind protections. The repealed Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) is a prime example of this revocation of rights. Although reasons for the backlash against trans* rights are numerous, this paper focuses on adverse reactions based on misplaced notions of disgust, fear, ignorance, and desire for political gain. The rhetoric employed by anti-trans opposition groups stigmatizes and criminalizes trans* individuals, particularly trans women, who are portrayed as dangerous pedophiles who will harm cisgender women and children. Additionally, the backlash against trans* rights has focused on a narrative of “bathroom panic,” despite the fact that most protective legislation is more far reaching. Heteronormative attitudes about public restrooms have resulted in misguided “bathroom panics” as public attention to and interest in trans* civil rights increases on the national scale.

Author

• Aimee Wodda, University of Illinois at Chicago