Transphobia is one of the most pressing social issues affecting gender identity and sexuality today. Transphobic jokes and cultural narratives often function as boundary-making devices that reinforce cisnormativity and heteronormativity, creating barriers between those who are deemed acceptable and those who are not. These jokes and stories create an atmosphere of fear and ridicule around transgender individuals, making it difficult for them to express their identities without being subjected to harassment or violence. In this essay, I will explore how these forms of humor can be subverted to create liberatory laughter, providing insights into how future humour studies and queer cultural critique can build frameworks for more inclusive, affirmative discourse.
One way that transphobic jokes and cultural narratives regulate gender and sexuality is through the creation of binaries. Cisgender people, or those whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth, are seen as normal and desirable, while transgender people are seen as abnormal and undesirable. This binary is reinforced by the prevalence of transphobic humor, which frames transgender people as objects of derision rather than human beings deserving respect and dignity.
Many comedians make jokes about the appearance of transgender people, often suggesting that they are 'freaks' or 'abominations.' By perpetuating these stereotypes, transphobic humor reinforces the idea that being transgender is something to be ashamed of, something that should be hidden away from society.
Another way that transphobic jokes function as boundary-making devices is by reinforcing heteronormativity. Heteronormativity refers to the belief that all people should conform to traditional gender roles and relationships, such as men being masculine and women being feminine. Transphobic humor frequently depicts transgender individuals as deviant or perverse, reinforcing the notion that nontraditional gender identities and sexual orientations are aberrant. This type of humor suggests that transgender people are not capable of forming healthy, loving relationships, further alienating them from mainstream society.
Transphobic jokes and cultural narratives also create a culture of fear around transgender people. These jokes suggest that transgender people are dangerous or threatening, creating an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion towards anyone who does not fit into the cisnormative box. This can lead to violence against transgender people, as well as discrimination in employment, housing, and education. Transphobia has even led to legislation aimed at limiting their rights, making it difficult for transgender people to live openly and authentically.
Future humour studies and queer cultural critique offer hope for subversive, liberatory laughter. Humorists like Chella Man have challenged traditional notions of gender and sexuality through their work, using comedy to highlight the absurdity of societal norms. By exposing the ridiculousness of these boundaries, they show that there is nothing inherently wrong with being transgender, queer, or non-binary. They also encourage others to challenge these boundaries themselves, empowering marginalized communities to speak up and demand respect. Queer theory has similarly provided frameworks for reimagining gender and sexuality outside of traditional categories, allowing for greater inclusivity and acceptance.
Transphobic jokes and cultural narratives function as boundary-making devices that regulate gender and sexuality, reinforcing cisnormativity and heteronormativity.
Future humour studies and queer cultural critique offer hope for subversive, liberatory laughter, providing insights into how these boundaries can be broken down. By challenging these binaries, we can create a more inclusive society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their identity.