The way in which different bodies are understood and valued is influenced by societal attitudes towards gender and sexual orientation. This is evident in how transgender and nonbinary individuals experience their own bodies. These groups often face prejudice, discrimination, and oppression due to their identities and expressions, leading to an increased awareness of how conventional bodily ideals can be subjective and contingent upon sociocultural factors. While some may see these experiences as challenging traditional norms, they also highlight how there is no objective truth when it comes to body image. By reflecting on this issue, we can better understand that all people should have autonomy over their own bodies and respect for those who do not conform to expectations.
Transgender and nonbinary individuals often experience negative reactions from others because of their bodies and identities. This includes being misgendered, harassed, assaulted, or denied access to services.
In some countries, transgender people cannot obtain legal recognition of their identity unless they undergo surgery or hormone therapy, even if they do not want to change their appearance. Such requirements reinforce the idea that certain physical characteristics are necessary for one's sex or gender, despite biological differences between individuals. As a result, some transgender and nonbinary individuals may feel alienated from their bodies or ashamed of their appearances, leading them to seek medical interventions or avoid intimacy altogether.
Cisgender (non-trans) individuals may also internalize these societal expectations about what makes up a "normal" body. They may feel pressure to fit into narrow beauty standards, such as having muscular bodies or large breasts, which can lead to harmful behaviors like dieting or cosmetic surgeries. Even within LGBTQ+ communities, these pressures exist; for instance, some gay men may be expected to be hairy or masculine while lesbians might be seen as more attractive with short hair and less makeup. These ideas perpetuate the myth that there is an ideal form of embodiment, which is impossible to achieve without exception.
Many cultures place greater value on heterosexuality than other forms of sexual expression. As a result, some queer individuals may face discrimination based solely on their desires and relationships. This can manifest in various ways, from being fired from jobs to denied access to family members.
A recent study found that nearly half of homeless youth are LGBTQ+, partly due to rejection by parents and guardians over sexual orientation.
As we reflect on how different bodies are perceived and valued, it becomes clear that conventional norms around embodiment are not universal truths but rather contingent upon cultural context. Instead, all people should have the right to determine their own identities, expressions, and relationships without fear of judgment or violence. By recognizing the subjectivity of bodily ideals, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone feels safe and respected for who they are.
How do trans and queer experiences of embodiment expose the moral contingency of bodily norms?
The experience of living as transgender or non-binary can challenge traditional ideas about what it means to be human. Trans and queer individuals may struggle with feelings of alienation and otherness because their bodies do not conform to society's expectations. This can lead them to reflect on the arbitrary nature of bodily norms that are based solely on biology.