FTM Trans Theory VS. Trans Narratives : Working Towards an Updated Trans Theory

Sammanfattning: Theories are tools with which we critically analyze society‟s structure and understand experiences that are not our own. When theories no longer describe the narratives that they claim, we must update them. This thesis proposes to do just that. The trans theories of J. Halberstam and Jay Prosser will be analyzed using ten autobiographies written by self-identified FTM transsexuals and transmen. Prosser and Halberstam are two well-known theorists in the field of trans theory. J. Halberstam approaches FTM transsexuality from the perspective of a lesbian feminist, who has an understanding of transgender butch individuals. Jay Prosser writes from the perspective of being a FTM transsexual himself. I chose publications by these theorists because they had sections that focused specifically on FTM narratives, and they both used at least two of the autobiographies I use and they were published the same year. Therefore, I found them to be two theoretical frameworks that could be compared on several different levels. The publication dates of the ten narratives range from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Applicability of the theories will be measured by comparing them to what the autobiographers say about their lives. The tool of analysis will be five focus areas that are represented, to some degree, in each narrative. They are: Trying to fit into female roll/body/world; Discovering one is Trans/Coming Out; Acquiring Hormones and Sexual Reassignment Surgery; Trying to Establish/Re-establish a Confident Identity; and Romantic/Sexual Relationships.. I will discuss how helpful each theory is in accordance with these narratives. The aim of this thesis is to assess how well each theorist addresses the issue of transsexual identity. The field of transsexual research is still new and developing, there are many interesting parts of these narratives that can be delved into further. I will conclude by proposing a new trans theoretical view point that would better help one to understand the process of female-to-male transition. What one should take away from this thesis is that despite differences in sex and gender formation, these people are, like the rest of the world, trying to create an identity that they not only feel comfortable with as a representation of themselves, but also one that they can be proud of.