ABSTRACT
While trans people have been theorized by sexologists since the late 1800s, trans theory proper did not emerge until the early to mid-1990s. Trans feminist theory and politics have now come into increasing prominence, promising an integrative analysis of sexist, trans, racial, and other forms of oppression. With trans identities validated, it is possible to elucidate transphobic invalidation. Since trans identities are validated through trans subcultural linguistic practices, it can be useful to understand the ways in which the dominant socio-linguistic practices function to invalidate trans identities. Trans/feminist engagements can be distinguished into intersectional and interactive variations. Presupposing the concept of intersectionality, the former proceeds with the insight that trans and sexist oppressions can be blended with each other in complex ways. An interactional approach proceeds by viewing feminist and trans theory/politics as distinct and asks questions about their possibilities for solidary.
