Sexua-romanticised pathways of transmasculine college students in the USA

Abstract

Much of the expanding literature positions trans college students as an overly homogenous population, lacking agency and wrought with hardship and tragedy. Drawn from a broader study on transmasculine college students’ conceptualisations of masculinity, this paper draws attention to the multiplicity of transmasculine voices navigating sexuality and romantic relationships. This navigation is embroiled in their negotiations with masculinity, dominance and cissexism, as they chart affirming sexualities and relationships. Participants’ unique and nuanced articulations are suggestive of the gender liberatory possibilities that derive from trans youth’s perspectives.

Keywords:

• Sexuality
• masculinity
• transgender
• higher education
• trans
• USA

Notes

1. Meaning obnoxious or contemptible, and typically used to describe men or men’s behaviour.

2. Coined by Moya Bailey, this term refers to misogyny directed specifically towards Black women.