Production of gender: A study on performativity in female-to-male transsexuals [Producci n de g nero: Un estudio sobre la performatividad de mujeres a hombres transexuales]

Abstract

Gender identity is critical to every individual; it is self-defined and constructed by culture and society, at large. Gender identities are formed through public and private spaces. Of the two traditions of thinking (essentialist and constructionist) about sex and gender, constructionist formulations are based on performance theory. It believes that sex and gender are viewed as not residing in an individual, but are found in interactions that are socially constructed as gendered, as opposed to essentialist tradition. Within gender theory, performativity of gender can be traced from Beauvoir s (1949) construction one is not born a woman, but rather, becomes one (p.8) suggests the constructed and performative nature of gender. Butler (1999) in her theory of gender performativity also emphasizes on the constructed nature of sex and gender, and refers gender as the repeated stylization of the body, a set of repeated acts within highly rigid regulatory frame (p.33). Within performative theory, gender is a process, rather than something naturally possessed. To understand and explore the process of formation of gender in (FTM) transsexuals three autobiographical narratives are chosen i.e., Becoming a Visible Man (2004), The Testosterone Files (2006), and Both Sides now (2006). To analyze and dissect the FTM autobiographical narratives, the techniques of discourse analysis, literary analysis and narrative analysis are used. This study will address the performative factors that contribute to the formation of a transsexual role as seen through sartorial style, mannerisms, and other aspects that influence a gendered presentation of self . It includes the process of construction of FTM transsexual s corporeality through performative attributes to approximate masculinity and come in accord with the social role of a man . 2018, Hipatia Press. All rights reserved.