Transgender spectrum: a move away from hierarchies

Transgender studies flourished in the 1980s and 90s. During this time there was a political shift from the term ‘transsexual’ to ‘transgender’– at least in some circles – which was announced to be important politically as a way of changing associations between the ‘transsexual’ and the medical construction of gender variance. The replacement of the ‘transsexual’ would help define and refocus the debate on ‘the most important’ element of trans people’s lives, that of, gender identity.However, division began to appear between transpeople on the basis of recognition. This paper explores these divisions and suggests how transgender politics may build bridges over the political ravine.