Trans representation in media has become increasingly common in recent years, but it often relies on the same tired tropes that center trans people's bodies and identities as a source of entertainment for cisgender audiences. This perpetuates the idea that transness is something to be fetishized and objectified rather than understood as an integral part of human diversity.
Some argue that this spectacle can still play an important role in raising awareness about trans issues and challenging preconceptions about gender. So, can trans representation exist without reproducing the spectacle of "difference"? The answer is complicated, but it requires recognizing the ways in which trans people are portrayed in popular culture and finding alternative approaches to representing their experiences.
One way to avoid the spectacle of difference in trans representation is to focus on trans characters who aren't primarily defined by their gender identity.
Shows like Pose and Transparent feature trans actors playing non-trans roles, allowing viewers to see them as fully fleshed-out individuals with complex personalities and desires beyond their transition. Similarly, films like Girlhood and Tangerine offer nuanced depictions of trans women of color whose stories don't revolve around their trans status. By presenting trans characters as multidimensional humans, these works challenge traditional narratives about what makes trans people worthy of attention.
Another approach is to show trans characters engaging in ordinary activities and relationships, such as going to school or having romantic partnerships. Shows like Orange Is the New Black and Degrassi High include trans characters who have full lives outside of their gender journeys, demonstrating that being trans isn't always the most significant aspect of someone's life. This shift away from focusing solely on trans bodies and identities can help audiences understand that transness is just one part of a person's overall humanity.
Some argue that even seemingly innocuous representations of trans people can reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate harmful ideas about transness.
TV series like I Am Jazz and Gender Revolution: A Journey With Katie Couric use sensationalized footage of medical procedures to highlight trans children's physical transformations, which can contribute to the idea that being trans means undergoing drastic changes to one's body.
Shows like RuPaul's Drag Race often portray drag queens as hypersexualized objects of desire rather than respected performers with unique artistic visions. These depictions can normalize misconceptions about transgender identity and sexualization, reinforcing the very spectacle they seek to subvert.
Trans representation in media is critical for raising awareness and challenging prejudice, but it must also avoid perpetuating harmful tropes about trans people. By featuring diverse and complex trans characters, presenting them as multidimensional individuals, and avoiding sensationalized portrayals of trans identities, we can create more nuanced and meaningful stories that accurately reflect trans experiences.
This requires rethinking how we approach trans storytelling and recognizing its potential power to shape societal attitudes towards gender diversity.
Can trans representation in media exist without reproducing the spectacle of “difference”?
While some may argue that the depiction of trans individuals in media can be beneficial for society's acceptance of diversity, others caution against the potential harm caused by reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating the "spectacle" of difference. Trans representation in media can help normalize trans identities and increase visibility while also challenging common misconceptions about gender and sexuality.