Dr. Susan Stryker, a historian, joins Imara Jones to discuss trans activism, overlooked moments in trans history, and the lessons we can learn from survivors of oppression. Cultural theorist Dr. C. Riley Snorton explores the racialized history of transness, including the exploitation of enslaved people for gender research. They also discuss the impact of black trans individuals in creative fields and the intersection of race and gender.
Recognizing the contributions of black trans individuals throughout history challenges misconceptions and validates their existence and experiences.
The intersection of race and trans identity in American history highlights the historical contributions and ongoing struggles of black trans people.
The impact of colonialism on gender and racial identity underscores the need for transformative change and reclaiming gender outside of colonial frameworks.
Deep dives
The historical context of black trans activism and life in the United States
The podcast episode explores the historical context of black trans activism and life in the United States. It features an interview with Dr. Susan Stryker, an iconic historian and professor of gender and sexuality studies. Dr. Stryker discusses the last 100 years of trans activism and the ways in which research informs our understanding of trans identity and history. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the long-standing presence and contributions of black trans individuals to both the LGBTQ+ and black communities. It also emphasizes the need for a critical perspective on history to challenge misconceptions and validate the existence and experiences of black trans people.
The intersection of race and trans identity in American history
In this episode, the podcast also features a conversation with Professor C. Riley Storton about the intersection of race and trans identity in American history. Professor Storton, an expert in gender and sexuality studies, explores the ways in which race and gender have been intertwined throughout history, particularly in relation to black trans individuals. The discussion highlights the historical contributions and resilience of black trans people, as well as the ongoing struggles they face in a society that often overlooks or marginalizes their experiences. By centering the stories and experiences of black trans individuals, the podcast challenges prevailing narratives and fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and activism.
The importance of recognizing and valuing black trans histories
This podcast episode emphasizes the significance of recognizing and valuing black trans histories. By shining a light on the contributions and experiences of black trans people throughout history, the episode challenges the erasure and marginalization of their stories. It underscores the need for a more inclusive understanding of both black history and trans history, which encompasses the lived realities and struggles of black trans individuals. By amplifying these voices, the podcast fosters a greater appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and activism within the black trans community, ultimately inspiring hope for a more equitable and inclusive future.
The impact of colonialism on gender and racial identity
The podcast explores the impact of colonialism on gender and racial identity. It delves into how colonial systems have shaped and influenced dominant notions of gender, particularly in relation to black trans individuals. The conversation highlights how gender has been weaponized and utilized as a tool for oppression, and the importance of reclaiming and restructuring the concept of gender outside of colonial frameworks. By reframing gender as a decolonial project and recognizing its intersection with racial identity, the episode calls for a deeper examination of power dynamics and the need for transformative change in society.
Hope and resilience in the face of adversity
In this podcast episode, hope and resilience emerge as key themes in the stories and experiences of black trans individuals. The discussions with Dr. Susan Stryker and Professor C. Riley Storton emphasize the survival and creative strategies employed by black trans people throughout history. They highlight the ongoing resistance and resilience of black trans individuals in the face of discrimination, violence, and erasure. By exploring the rich histories and contributions of black trans individuals, the episode offers a sense of hope and inspiration, illuminating the power of community, activism, and personal narratives in driving change and resilience.
As we continue to celebrate LGBT History Month, Imara is joined by two leading trans scholars to discuss our community’s history and future. First, she talks with historian Dr. Susan Stryker about the last century of trans life and activism in the United States. They discuss why Compton’s Cafeteria Riot has been overlooked in the story of trans history, how to make sense of today’s reactionary politics, and what we can learn from past survivors of oppression. Next, Imara chats with cultural theorist Dr. C. Riley Snorton, who dives into the racialized history of transness. He explains how enslaved people were experimented on by medical researchers and used to determine ideals about gender, and talks about his work to document a Black radical tradition.
