Short Abstract:

This laboratory fosters discussions on trans-oriented perspectives in anthropological research. We welcome trans and cis allies scholars who work with trans identities, trans-related fieldsites, and/or who are interested in connections between anthropology, trans studies and/or transfeminism.

Long Abstract:

Coined by the Brazilian actress and theatre director Renata Carvalho, the concept of transpology seeks to reclaim the protagonism in anthropological knowledge production about trans people to trans people. Led by two Global South trans anthropologists studying in Global North institutions, this laboratory is an open space to share research in the making, as well as personal and professional experiences, including in the connections between academic inquiry, activism, policy, and art-making. We welcome trans and cis allies anthropologists and ethnographers working with trans subjects, in fieldworks embedded in ongoing trans issues, and/or those working in connection with perspectives such as trans studies and transfeminism. This laboratory is grounded not only in present-day controversies about trans people - in the UK and abroad - but also by the fact that trans people have been, at least since the 1990s, a privileged object of anthropological inquiry, particularly in the Global South. These inquiries were simultaneous with the emergence of trans-centered perspectives, such as trans studies and transfeminism. Throughout the decades, trans-related issues have been at the center of the public sphere, political debates, State legislation, where academic research is directly connected with social movements. We welcome scholars from different backgrounds, centralizing an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach, as well as decolonial perspectives. This sets anthropology, as a discipline, “on the move” - or, we may say, in transition.