Trans women and Michfest: An ethnophenomenology of attendees' experiences. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McConnell, Elizabeth A.; Odahl-Ruan, Charlynn A.; Kozlowski, Christine; Shattell, Mona; Todd, Nathan R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of lesbian studies. Volume 20:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Feminism -- transgender -- cisgender -- lesbian separatism -- queer theory -- Michigan Womyn's Music Festival; Lesbianism -- Periodicals; Gay and lesbian studies -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.7663
• DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2015.1076234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1089-4160

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The rise of queer and transgender studies has greatly contributed to feminist and lesbian understandings of sex, gender, and sexuality and also has resulted in rifts, tensions, and border wars. One such tension is around the inclusion of trans women in women-only space, such as the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival (Michfest). In this ethnophenomenological study, we interviewed and surveyed 43 cisgender women who attended Michfest in 2013. Participants had a variety of perspectives on trans inclusion and on the dialogue surrounding it, and these paralleled intersections, frictions, and tensions between feminism, queer theory, and transgender studies.