Knowledge and Its Impact on Identities of Ukrainian Trans*(gender/sexual) People

Trans*(sex/gender) is an increasingly common phenomenon of the contemporary world. Psychology, Feminist, Queer and Transgender studies have suggested various interpretations of trans* experiences. Departing from certain assumptions that notions of sex and gender are either authentic or performative, these disciplines have established worldwide the tenet that trans* is medically pathological or socially transgressive phenomenon. However, these perspectives have tended to overlook the ways in which the knowledge discourses that they have developed influence on lives of trans* individuals. Postmodernists and critical sociologists propose to research knowledge as a power system. This thesis presents the results of an explorative study that uncovers the impact knowledge has on identities of trans* individuals. Firstly, it details the ways in which social discourse that transmits the knowledge about gender binary and trans* phenomena influence on the formation of trans* identity. Secondly, the research is focused on Ukraine and illustrates ‘globalization’ of Anglophone trans* discourses beyond the US and Western European borders and its modification in accordance with the local context. Finally, it demonstrates how the theoretical narratives about trans* phenomena construct the manner trans* individuals understand their experiences.