The (Dis)Functions of Gender Identity

Gender identity is a popular concept when it comes to explaining trans people and our genders—especially when those genders are exploratory, expansive, or resistant. But what is this concept? What does it really do for us? Is it the best concept for that job? In this talk, I'll investigate some of the historical and contemporary functions of gender identity. The concept certainly has its uses, such as in anti-discrimination policy. Beyond this, however, I'll argue that the concept's uses are, or ought to be, limited. Gender identity has a problematic history, initially coming from cisnormative sexology and medicine. Perhaps relatedly, while the concept can be useful when talking to cisnormative structures, I'll argue that it falls short when we try to use it to explain trans people's genders, or define trans existence. Gender isn't primarily internal or personal, but rather social. Trans people's genders exist because of the social meanings we make together. Furthermore, using gender identity as the central issue for trans politics encourages us to think of trans rights as a matter of individual liberty, primarily concerned with the validation of self-expression. This approach prioritizes personal freedoms over trans solidarity, and ignores the needs of the trans people who need political action the most. In place of gender identity, I defend a politics focused on trans community. We should focus on what we build together, how trans-antagonistic forces try to tear it down, and how we can stop them.