Who counts as trans? A critical discourse analysis of trans Tumblr posts
Date
2022
Authors
Jacobsen, Kai
Devor, Aaron
Hodge, Edwin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Communication Inquiry
Abstract
Internet and social media sites have long served as a rich form of community-building
and knowledge exchange within transgender communities. In particular, Tumblr has
become a popular site among trans youth in recent years. Paralleling changes in
medical and mainstream societal understandings of what it means to be transgender,
trans Tumblr users have engaged in dialogue and debate about the definitions and
limits of trans identity. While research has established the potential for positive
identity-formation among LGBTQ+ youth on Tumblr, it is also important to consider
how online trans communities may re-inscribe hegemonic narratives in addition
to disrupting dominant discourses and ideologies. Using a critical discourse analysis
of Tumblr posts, this research analyses how trans Tumblr users define “who counts
as trans,” including how users define gender dysphoria and its relationship to trans
identities. Our findings provide critical insight into how trans communities define the
boundaries of their identities in a struggle for visibility, resources, and respect.
Description
Keywords
trans, Tumblr, transnormativity, transmedicalism
Citation
Jacobsen, K., Devor, A., & Hodge, E. (2022). “Who counts as trans? A critical discourse analysis of trans Tumblr posts.” Journal of Communication Inquiry, 46(1), 60-81. https://doi.org/10.1177/01968599211040835