‘It’s a hard line to walk’: black non-binary trans* collegians’ perspectives on passing, realness, and trans*-normativity

Abstract

Being labeled as ‘abnormal, or deviant, or not being one of the rest of us’ has real effects for one’s life chances. Trans* people are one such group who have continually been codified as abnormal, abject, weird, deceptive, and social pariahs. The purpose of the following study was to explore how the concepts of passing, realness, and trans*-normativity influence the experiences of two black non-binary trans* collegians. Using queer and intersectional theoretical approaches to analysis, findings from this study highlight the various ways black non-binary trans* collegians view these concepts as both limiting and emancipatory.

Keywords:

• Passing
• realness
• trans*-normativity
• race
• disability

Notes

1. As Tompkins (2014) wrote, ‘In relation to transgender phenomena, the asterisk is used … to open up transgender or trans to a greater range of meanings’ (p. 26, italics in original). Originating from Internet search functions, I use the asterisk to signal the capaciousness of term as a category. Although the use of the asterisk is not universally used by all trans* people, I use it as a way to resist the trans*-as-transsexual trope I elucidate later in this manuscript.

2. Although there was not any published literature on black trans* collegians at the time this manuscript was submitted, it is worth noting there was a panel presented at the 2015 NASPA Annual Conference titled, ‘Intersectional Identity Politics: The Paradox of Black Queer Identity Formations in College’ (Blockett, Mobley, Dortch, & Nicolazzo, 2016). On this panel, research including black trans* participants was discussed, leading to the assertion that although research may not be present now, it may not be long in coming.

3. I reflect Micah’s choice to use all pronouns using multiple pronouns interchangeably throughout the text. I do this not as a way to impede the readability of this manuscript, but as a way to honor Micah’s decision regarding pronouns and, by extension, recognize Micah’s full humanity and dignity as a trans* person.

4. One exception to this claim is Cherno Biko, who identifies as black and non-binary. However, it would be irresponsible to suggest black non-binary individuals are as present, or their subjectivities as understood, as black trans* women and trans* men.