The idea that trans people can be seen as both humanized and objectified through their appearance is not new.
It has recently become more evident in society as a result of an increase in media coverage and visibility for trans individuals. This trend has led to an increasing number of people questioning how gender is presented and perceived within the context of visual aesthetics. It also raises important questions about whether trans bodies are being treated equally in terms of representation and treatment.
Trans people have been a part of human existence since ancient times, but until recently they were largely invisible and unrepresented in mainstream culture. This began to change in the early 20th century when trans people started to speak out publicly about their identities. Since then, there has been an increased awareness of gender fluidity and nonconformity, leading to greater representation in popular culture and politics. Trans bodies are now frequently featured in advertisements, movies, TV shows, music videos, and other forms of entertainment. The way these bodies are portrayed varies greatly from project to project but often falls into one of two categories: either humanized or objectified.
Humanization involves treating trans bodies as normal or natural, with all the same rights and privileges as cisgender bodies. This includes presenting them as fully-formed humans who exist outside of gender stereotypes or expectations. Humanizing trans bodies means acknowledging their complexity and individuality rather than reducing them to binary gender roles.
A trans person might be shown wearing whatever clothes they feel comfortable in without any reference to their assigned sex at birth or current gender identity. Alternatively, humanization can involve presenting trans bodies as something more than just physical objects—as whole beings with feelings, desires, emotions, thoughts, and experiences beyond their genitals or anatomy. Examples include showing a trans person eating food or engaging in activities such as dancing, painting, playing sports, or reading books for pleasure.
Objectification occurs when trans bodies are reduced to body parts or fetishized for their perceived sexual appeal or difference from cisgender norms. Objectification typically revolves around the idea that trans bodies are inherently strange or exotic because they deviate from traditional ideas about what it means to be male or female. Often this takes place within the context of pornography where trans people may be presented as "freakish" or "exotic." In some cases, trans people may also be used as props to promote products or services related to surgical procedures aimed at making them look more like cisgender individuals. While objectifying trans bodies can sometimes lead to increased awareness and visibility within society, it often reinforces harmful stereotypes about what makes someone a real man/woman/nonbinary person and perpetuates discrimination against those who don't fit into these categories.
When discussing visual aesthetics surrounding trans bodies there are two key considerations: how they're represented by mainstream media outlets (e.g., magazines, TV shows) versus how they appear on social media platforms (e.g., Instagram). Mainstream media tends towards humanization while social media can lean towards objectification depending on user content choices.
Visual aesthetics play an important role in framing the trans body either as humanized or objectified. By examining both options we gain insight into why certain representations are chosen over others and how this affects our perceptions of gender identity and expression. We must continue to challenge ourselves to question these assumptions and push for greater inclusion and representation across all sectors of society if we want true equality for everyone regardless of their gender identity or expression.
How do visual aesthetics frame the trans body as either humanized or objectified?
Visual aesthetics play an important role in shaping how society perceives bodies, including those of transgender individuals. The representation of trans bodies in media often reinforces stereotypes about gender identity and expression, with some depictions emphasizing their sexuality or objectifying them while others humanize them by portraying their unique identities and experiences.