ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the inequalities associated with ageing as a trans(gender)/gender diverse (trans/g-d) person, i.e. someone who is transsexual, transvestite, gender queer, gender fluid, non-binary, genderless, agender, non-gendered, third gender and bi-gender. We utilise Nancy Fraser’s (1997) social justice model to explore how older trans/g-d people experience significant inequalities in relation to resources, recognition and representation. Following a lifetime of social marginalisation, many have fewer material resources than cisgender older people (those who identify with the (sole) gender they were assigned at birth), while at the same time also being more vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. Recognition is a key issue for trans/g-d people, both in terms of the pains and penalties of mis-recognition and in terms of challenging the norms, prejudices and discriminations associated with it. The increasing representation and championing of the needs and rights of older trans/g-d people (in some parts of the world) are offering opportunities to re-vision both gender and ageing.
