Embodied subjectivity is defined as "a way of being that relies on self-reflection, bodily experience, and physical sensation to construct one's identity". It can be seen as a challenge to traditional notions of coherence, stability, and authenticity because it involves fluidity and changeability in terms of gender expression and sexual orientation. This means that there are no fixed rules about what constitutes an "authentic" male or female body and that one's sense of self may shift over time due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, social expectations, and personal experiences. Trans embodiment complicates these ideas further by introducing new ways of understanding how gender identities relate to physical bodies, which challenges traditional binary conceptions of masculinity/femininity and heterosexuality/homosexuality.
Some transgender people identify with both genders simultaneously or do not feel constrained by societal norms for gender roles and preferences in their relationships. In this context, questions arise regarding the validity of sexual attraction, sexual desire, and intimacy within non-binary relationships. The article will explore these issues further through examples from literature, art, and popular culture.
Coherence and Stability
Trans embodiment complicates traditional moral notions of coherence by blurring the lines between binary conceptions of gender and sex. Gender is often understood as something that exists on a spectrum rather than as a dichotomy, so trans individuals exist outside of the rigid categories of "male" and "female." This challenge to categorization can lead to confusion and misunderstanding about who is included under the umbrella term "trans," which can make it difficult for cisgender individuals (those whose gender identity matches their assigned sex) to understand or empathize with trans people.
Trans individuals may experience cognitive dissonance when trying to reconcile their own internal feelings and experiences with external expectations of what constitutes appropriate behavior or appearance for their assigned sex. Trans embodiment also complicates stability because it requires constant negotiation of one's identity and relationship with others. This instability may be seen as uncomfortable or anxiety-provoking for those who value predictability and consistency in their lives, leading them to reject trans individuals as inauthentic or even immoral.
Authenticity and Self-Expression
Trans embodiment challenges traditional ideas of authenticity by making visible the ways in which our bodies are socially constructed. Traditional Western concepts of selfhood emphasize autonomy, individualism, and rationality while devaluing emotional expression and physical sensation.
Many trans individuals argue that their sense of self is closely tied to their physical bodies, which they use to express themselves through clothing, hairstyle, makeup, and other means of bodily modification.
Some trans men choose to bind their breasts to present more masculine forms of femininity; others may choose to wear dresses to feel comfortable with their feminine body parts. By doing so, they challenge notions of what counts as an "authentic" male or female body and demonstrate the power of embodied subjectivity to create new modes of self-expression. The fluid nature of trans embodiment also complicates traditional ideas about authenticity because it questions whether there can ever truly be a single, fixed identity or set of behaviors associated with any given gender.
How does trans embodiment complicate traditional moral notions of coherence, stability, and authenticity?
Transgender individuals challenge traditional notions of gender because they disrupt the binary system that has been ingrained into society since childhood. This can make it difficult for them to feel like they belong or are accepted by others, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. The process of transitioning also brings up questions about identity and self-image, which can be confusing and emotionally taxing.