The Politicization of Trans Identity - by Loren Cannon

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The politicization of trans identity--also affecting gender non-binary and gender non-conforming persons--is a form of backlash to the Obergefell ruling (legalizing same sex marriage) and increased LGBTQ equality. This book provides a conceptual analysis and application of the notions of backlash, scapegoating, dog whistling, and virtue signaling.

Review Quotes

"A superbly researched, powerful analysis and critique of the politicization of trans identity, from the backlash against the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage to the Court's arguments for and against protecting trans individuals under sex discrimination law. Cannon deftly weaves extensive discussion of the law, philosophical analyses of contemporary politics, and impassioned protest into a truly enlightening and important book."

"Cannon provides an astute philosophical analysis of the legal reasoning behind the US Supreme Court's 2015 Oberfell and its 2020 Bostock decisions as well as the political and moral problems attending to both. The heart of the book, however, is a highly illuminating analysis of the so-called 'bathroom bills' through the related concepts of backlash, scapegoating, and dog whistles. Cannon's writing is lucid, passionate, and politically grounded. And the book is a glowing example of engaged philosophy at its finest."

"In a world where what usually passes for discussion of trans issues consists mainly in social-media sniping, Loren Cannon's lucid, rigorous new book is a breath of fresh air. Whether his arguments persuade you, intrigue you, provoke you--or, variously, all of the above--you cannot help but be transformed by them. Anyone seeking insight into this important topic should buy this book."

"The Politicalization of Trans Identity offers a concise and critical intervention within philosophical studies of the co-enabling functions of gender, sexuality, class, and race within U.S. law, including a highly relevant focus on the increasing forms of anti-trans legislation and trans-directed violence occurring over the last decade. Cannon's careful periodization of the Obergefell decision (2015) to the Bostock ruling (2020), as well as his detailed analyses of those Supreme Court cases and their accompanying public reactions are exemplary of the scholarly breadth and depth needed on trans issues in philosophy today."

Cannon grapples with the opposing developments of the Supreme Court victories for LGBTQ rights in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) and Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) and the rapid increase in proposed and enacted laws that limit LGBTQ rights, especially transgender rights. Cannon locates Obergefell as the general starting point for anti-transgender legislation. Though not criticizing these decisions--in fact, praising them--Cannon explores how persistent structural inequalities continue to limit transgender and gender nonbinary individuals and embolden gender traditionalism in the contemporary conservative legal and political movements. Cannon creates a rich theoretical foundation for readers to apply to this aspect of anti-transgender politics and many others. Recommended. Undergraduates through faculty.

About the Author

Loren Cannon, PhD, teaches philosophy at Cal Poly Humboldt.