The term "authentic self" refers to the sense of self that is genuine, real, and true to oneself. For trans individuals, this means being able to express their gender identity in alignment with their internal experience of themselves rather than conforming to societal expectations based on biological sex. Trans embodiment can involve various physical changes such as hormone therapy, surgeries, clothing choices, hairstyles, etc., which can have profound impacts on one's sense of self-identity. Temporality involves the temporal dimension of reality, including its past, present, and future, while recognition refers to acknowledging and accepting others for who they are. Relational ethics emphasizes the interconnectedness between individuals and the importance of treating them fairly and justly.
Authentic selfhood requires recognizing one's own desires, preferences, values, beliefs, and needs. This process involves understanding how these aspects of one's identity intersect with societal norms and expectations, and making conscious decisions about whether or not to conform to those norms. It also involves reflecting on one's relationship with time, both in terms of one's personal history and the broader historical context within which one exists. This reflection allows one to gain a greater sense of agency over one's life trajectory and make meaningful decisions about how to navigate it. Recognition plays an important role in authentic selfhood by encouraging others to accept and respect trans individuals for who they are, rather than imposing restrictive labels or stereotypes. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for supporting trans individuals during their journey towards self-actualization.
Trans embodiment can be seen as a means of engaging with temporality through changing one's appearance, behavior, and social roles in order to align more closely with one's internal gender identity.
Someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male may take hormones to develop male secondary sex characteristics, change their name and pronouns, and express themselves in masculine ways. Similarly, someone who was assigned male but identifies as female may wear clothing that aligns with feminine gender expression and adopt a more feminine body language. This process can help trans individuals feel more comfortable in their bodies and live authentically according to their own gender identity.
In addition to its impact on individual experience, trans embodiment can illuminate broader philosophical commitments to identity, community, and ethical relationality. By challenging societal expectations about what constitutes "normal" gender expression, trans individuals are pushing back against oppressive structures that limit people's ability to express themselves fully. This challenge can lead to broader conversations about the nature of identity and its relationship to power dynamics, privilege, and justice. Trans embodiment also highlights the importance of recognizing and validating diverse experiences and perspectives within communities, promoting empathy and understanding among different groups.
It emphasizes the need for just and fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their gender or other social categories, by acknowledging the complexities and nuances of each person's lived experience.