Abstract

'Presentation, Representation and Reclamation: A historiographical analysis of the production of contemporary Trans Theory'

Josephine Wilson

In this paper I will argue that the most commonly reproduced history that is written by contemporary theorists who have self-defined themselves as "trans theorists" has tended towards a singular narrative that does not reflect the multiplicity and varied validity of trans subjectivities and experiences. This history is a politically motivated narrative that presents the 'progression' and even 'development' of trans theory and trans subjectivity as a singular genealogy. I will map out and re-examine this history that trans theory has created as a history of trans representation rather than as a literal history of trans experience to date. I present the genealogy as working across four theoretical sites which are strategically placed in order to forward a particular trans subject position. I therefore do note seek to outline an exhaustive history, simply to present the way in which history is done. Using a historiographic approach I argue that this genealogy theoretically obscures the possibility for multiple valid trans subject positions. This critical view of the most commonly reproduced trans theory should not be seen as an invalidation of the subject positions that they advocate. I see this history as an valuable account that is produced for the important reason of validating trans subjects who are delegitimised in practically all other theoretical sites. Tracing this genealogy gives us a wider picture and understanding of the ways in which trans people are effected by and effect their own representation by others and themselves and formulate understandings of their multiple and varied subject positions.

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