Voices for Transgender Equality: Making Change in the Networked Public Sphere

Transgender rights have become a significant topic of conversation in recent years, and Thomas J. Billard's book Voices for Transgender Equality provides an insider's view into transgender activism during the first two years of the Trump administration. Billard argues that transgender activists developed an unlikely blend of online and offline strategies to saturate national news outlets, local and community media outlets, and social media platforms with voices in support of their cause. The movement occurred at a particular time in the development of the media system, with new media shaping the movement in important ways that are both generalizable to other social movements and unique to transgender activism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Transgender rights have gained significant attention in recent years, becoming a focal point of the American culture wars. During the Trump presidency, transgender individuals were thrust into the political spotlight, facing relentless hostility and a complex media landscape. In response, transgender activists have developed innovative communication strategies to advocate for their equality, thwart attempts to undermine their rights, and gain widespread support.

In Voices for Transgender Equality, Thomas J. Billard provides an insider's perspective on transgender activism during the first two years of the Trump administration. Drawing on extensive fieldwork at the National Center for Transgender Equality, Billard explores how activists have harnessed a combination of online and offline tactics to saturate a diverse array of national news outlets, local and community media outlets, and public and private conversations across various social media platforms. He also delves into the intricate dynamics of information and ideas within these different domains of the communication system, highlighting how activists have worked to shape the national conversation on transgender rights.

Billard argues that this movement unfolded during a pivotal period in the development of the media system, with new media playing a significant role in shaping the movement in both generalizable and unique ways. The book includes rich storytelling and insightful analysis, making a compelling case for what it takes to bring about social and political change in a world transformed by digital technologies.

Overall, Voices for Transgender Equality is a valuable contribution to the study of transgender activism and media communication. It sheds light on the strategies employed by activists to advance their cause and highlights the importance of new media in shaping social movements. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the ongoing struggle for transgender equality and the role of communication in achieving it.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197695432