Trans Vitalities: Mapping Ethnographies of Trans Social and Political Coalitions

This book explores trans coalitional labor and activism in Washington, DC, and proposes a framework of 'trans vitalities' to rethink community, shift understandings of community, and address trans lives. It incorporates interviews, community map-making projects, and an analysis of the DC Trans Needs Assessment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into an ethnographically-anchored exploration of trans coalitional labor and activism in Washington, DC, with a focus on understanding the reconfiguration of concepts such as 'trans community' and 'trans rights.' Trans vitalities, as a framework developed within this volume, serves three distinct purposes:
1. Challenging and reimagining the notion of a valuable, viable, or quantifiable quality of life.
2. Shifting our understanding of community towards a coalition-oriented approach.
3. Providing a methodological, theoretical, and application-based set of tools that amalgamates a radical trans politics and a community-based approach to addressing the lives of trans individuals.

To accomplish these goals, the book employs a combination of one-on-one interviews, community map-making projects, and an analysis of the DC Trans Needs Assessment, which was produced through trans coalitional labor. This accessible case study offers valuable insights for both researchers and educators interested in exploring trans-specific topics, as well as activists, policy makers, and law makers seeking to apply a framework of trans vitalities in their work.

Through its ethnographic approach, Trans Vitalities sheds light on the complex dynamics and interconnections within the trans community, highlighting the importance of collaboration and collective action in advocating for trans rights and social justice. The book emphasizes the need to challenge dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization against trans individuals. By centering the experiences and perspectives of trans people, Trans Vitalities contributes to a broader understanding of the diverse and multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ communities.

Moreover, the book offers practical tools and strategies for building trans coalitions and engaging in effective activism. It provides insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by trans activists and organizers, and offers recommendations for building sustainable and inclusive movements. Trans Vitalities is a valuable resource for anyone interested in advancing trans rights and social justice, and for those seeking to understand the complexities of intersectionality and the importance of community-based approaches to advocacy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539580