Negotiating the Borders of the Gender Regime - Developments and Debates on Trans(sexuality) in the Federal Republic of Germany

The study explores how sexology, law, federal politics, and the trans movement have interacted to generate or challenge concepts of trans(sexuality) in Germany from the mid-1960s to 2014, contributing to debates in (trans)gender and queer studies, political science, sociology of law, sexology, and the social movement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

While the realm of social change pertaining to trans(sexuality) has undergone a remarkable evolution within an ever-expanding constellation of concepts, practices, regulations, and institutions, its systematic analysis has remained relatively limited. Situated against the backdrop of legislative processes concerning gender recognition in a society deeply entrenched in heteronormative hegemony, Adrian de Silva delves into the intricate interplay between sexology, law, federal politics, and the trans movement, charting how these forces have either generated or challenged notions of trans(sexuality) from the mid-1960s to 2014 in the Federal Republic of Germany. This interdisciplinary study draws upon and actively contributes to ongoing debates in (trans)gender and queer studies, political science, sociology of law, sexology, and the social movement.

The mid-1960s marked a pivotal period in the evolution of trans(sexuality) concepts in the Federal Republic of Germany. At this time, sexology, a field that emerged in the late 19th century, began to gain traction within the German medical establishment. Sexologists, driven by a desire to understand and classify human sexual behavior, began to explore the phenomenon of trans(sexuality) and its implications for gender identity and sexuality.

In parallel, the law also played a significant role in shaping the discourse surrounding trans(sexuality). In the 1970s, Germany introduced the first legal framework for gender recognition, allowing individuals to change their legal gender through a process known as sex reassignment therapy (SRS). This marked a significant milestone in the recognition of trans(sexuality) as a legitimate form of gender identity.

However, the journey towards comprehensive trans(sexuality) rights was not without its challenges. Federal politics also played a role in shaping the legal and social landscape. In the 1990s, the German government introduced a bill that sought to criminalize gender reassignment therapy and restrict the rights of trans(gender) individuals. This bill, known as the "Gender Equality Act," sparked widespread protests and led to a significant backlash against the government.

Despite these challenges, the trans movement emerged as a powerful force for social change in Germany. Activists, advocates, and individuals who identified as trans(gender) worked tirelessly to raise awareness about their rights and to advocate for legal and social recognition. They organized protests, launched campaigns, and collaborated with legal professionals to challenge discriminatory laws and policies.

One of the key achievements of the trans movement in Germany was the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2017. This landmark decision recognized the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and paved the way for greater acceptance and recognition of trans(sexuality) within German society.

In conclusion, the evolution of trans(sexuality) concepts in the Federal Republic of Germany has been a complex and multifaceted process. While legislative processes and federal politics have played significant roles, the trans movement has emerged as a powerful force for social change. Through their activism, advocacy, and collaboration, trans(gender) individuals have worked to challenge discriminatory laws and policies, raise awareness about their rights, and advocate for greater acceptance and recognition within German society.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837644418