Recommendations for Further Study

Due to limited time and resources, I was unable to address all of the concerns facing the transgender and transmasculine population of South Africa, as well as the larger transgender rights movement. First of all, a similar project with transgender women and transfeminine-identified South Africans would prove equally interesting and important. 

A more in-depth look at misogyny, homophobia, and hypermasculinity among transgender men and masculine women would also be worthwhile. This population has immense potential as feminists and general allies to women, because most of them have a kind of knowledge of the experience of being viewed as female that most men will never possess. Unfortunately, their efforts to be recognized and prove themselves as masculine are sometimes misdirected.

Another issue deserving of more critical thought is that of terminology. Who uses the word ‘transgender’? Where are the lines between identifying as a lesbian man, a masculine woman, or a transgender man? Are there any? In addition to this, an important question that has emerged with the gay rights movement and the subsequent transgender movement is whether trans rights activists will be able to accommodate the needs of transgender people and raise awareness about transgender identity without problematizing identities of people that may have been historically normalized and dealt with on an individual basis in traditional African society. This could be done through a comparative, in-depth study of concepts of gender identity in more traditional (and probably rural) areas in South Africa versus a more urban perspective. 

Additionally, a look at the impact of the growing number of “out” transgender men and the development of a transgender rights movement on feminism, as well as the lesbian community in South Africa would also be valuable.

Users' Comments (0)

Add your comment