Transgender communities include a broad spectrum of
people who embody, experience or express their genders
in ways that differ from social expectations. In U.S.
society, trans people face severe forms of injustice, such as
housing discrimination, street violence and public
restroom discrimination. As trans-activists have
confronted such injustices, trans people have emerged as
a visible politicized community on the national stage.
Along with this new visibility has come an increased
circulation of trans images in film, television and new
media. These images may reflect pro-trans advancement,
anti-trans backlash, or an effort to appeal to multiple
viewer-ships in a nation divided on trans issues. The
result is a complex media terrain that variously inspires,
discredits, and constrains trans-activism. Through
lectures, multimedia presentations and discussions, this
course will explore connections among the following
questions: Who are trans people? What do they need?
And how are they represented?
Enrollment for this class is limited to 30 students. Please
enroll early.
