Past Event

The public event “What does it mean to protect trans children? Exploring debates about the figure of the trans child” by Dr. Julia Sinclair-Palm will take place

Recently, the figure of the trans child has become the centre of a number of legal and political battles in the U.S. Both sides argue that children need protection and that their innocence is being robbed. The media continually renews the belief that young trans people are a new phenomenon, and this libel about their newness reinforces the power, authority, and knowledge that adults have over children.

In this talk, I explore how the figure of the trans child is discussed in these debates and draw on Trans studies, Childhood and Youth Studies, and my research with trans youth to think about what we can learn from this current moment. I ask: What does this attention on the figure of the trans child tell us about the state of trans studies and childhood and youth studies? How are trans youth navigating cisnormativity and debates about their existence? I argue that trans children’s ability to articulate their needs and advocate for their rights reminds us that all children have agency and self-determination. I also look to trans youths’ practices of choosing a new name to highlight narratives of trans joy and resistance to cisnormativity.

Dr. Julia Sinclair-Palm (they/she) is an Associate Professor in Childhood and Youth Studies in the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies at Carleton University. In their work, they examine how young people forge new identities, imagine futures and navigate structural inequalities in the midst of larger, and sometimes restrictive narratives about childhood and youth.

In-person RSVPs to transchair@uvic.ca appreciated for planning purposes.

Thursday, Sept. 14th, 2023
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Pacific Time
UVic David Strong C124 & Zoom

Zoom registration required

Visit the University of Victoria Chair in Transgender Studies for more information.