Breaking Gender Identity and Societal Expectations through Transvestites - Essay Example

Breaking Gender Identity and Societal Expectations through Transvestites Introduction Changing gender is one that is not only based on biological factors and the initiation to move from a male to female sex. More importantly, the idea of changing sex creates the context that an individual lives in as well as the way that they respond within society. Gender identity, when changing gender, is one that moves outside of the normal boundaries and definitions. The boundaries that are created with gender are lost with gender that is transformed from male to female identity, not only with the actions of those that change identity, but also with the expectations from those that are surrounding in the environment. The way that the audience responds to one who is changing with gender shows that there is a question of boundary and the significance that is a part of the gender identity. When examining transvestites that perform in a club, the same boundaries can be seen with the audience as well as with the identity and expectations that are a part of the role of the transvestite. Observations and Interactions of Transvestites To understand gender identity and the relationships with transvestites, an analysis was made over the performance and interactions between transvestites and an audience. The observation made was at a club that was specific for transvestites that were performing at the club. When observing the interaction between transvestites and gender, it could be seen that there was a boundary and questioning between both types of genders. When transvestites interacted with each other, there was a comfort and understanding that was a part of the role. More importantly, the transvestites that stayed within these specific groups had interactions that held both gender roles and were both masculine and feminine in nature. For instance, some of the actions were based on touching, body language and movement that seemed feminine. At other times, the interactions would change to more aggressive behavior that was masculine in nature. When the transvestites moved into a performance, there was a different association of gender and the roles that were carried. The transvestites that were performing seemed up front and were able to reflect a gendered self that was both masculine and feminine in appearance. The reflection from the audience was one that was also representative of the self and the gender identity that many held. Those who were not transvestites in the audience were able to respond directly to either the masculine or feminine appearance that took place from the transvestites at given points in the performance. The gender identity held boundaries that allowed audience members to respond to the parts in which they identified with as a culture. For instance, when moving toward a performance part that also had feminist appeal, both male and female audience members would interact by reflecting toward this appeal. From the male viewpoint, this was a feminine movement that was made, while the female members of the audience responded by the opposing viewpoint that reflected their own identity. Definitions of Gender Identity in Society The performance of the transvestites and the way that they created responses from the gender in the audience is one that is defined by gender identity and the perceptions that it creates in society. The identity that was created was one that was specific to face to face behavior, which created an interaction ritual. Both the audience and the transvestites were able to reflect the other behavior and the identity of self as gender with the performance. The social encounters that were created were mediated specifically by identifying gender and the expectations and boundaries that were a part of this. The social value that is created is one that is identified by the gender. More specifically, the social value is identified by the expectations of being transvestite and being neither male nor female. The image that is represented is one that immediately becomes an image to the other self that is interacting. The expectations not of being a transvestite, but instead of belonging to a specific gender role as an audience member, is what creates the responses that are a part of the performance. Doing this then creates an attachment between both the audience members and the transvestite that is performing, specifically because both reflect the gender identity and roles that are specific to the other individual (Goffman, 1967). The behavior that was identified as a reflection of self was not limited to the specific interactions that were created through the understanding of gender. More specifically, the interactions were a response to group behavior and the psychology that was examined as a part of the social and cultural definitions. Gender identity and the definition that is created in society is one that is based on specific rules and relationships that define the level of involvement that is created within the group. The ability to participate within a group is first identified by a leader in the group who is able to reflect and interact with the other individuals that are a part of the group. After this begins to occur, others will follow with the reflection of identity and the roles that are associated with this. Even though the gender identity is known as a role that is a part of individual behavior and reflections, it can also be stated that the gender identity is inclusive of roles and definitions of what is acceptable within society. A specific structure and function that is a part of an environment is placed for the interactions that occur at a social level, all which are able to show what the symbol of gender means not only as a reflection to individuals, but also to the group (Goffman, 1963). When looking at the interactions and identity that were a part of the transvestite performance, it could be seen that the reflection of gender identity was not only a part of the gender of self, but also was inclusive of group recognition. When the performances first began, the audience was reserved and did not respond to what was occurring. However, a group of individuals that were sitting to one side of the room began to identify with specific moves and gender roles that were a part of the performance. As this began, others that identified with the same movements and parts of the performance also began to interact. The group response grew through the night as specific components of gender identity were added into the performance. The interactions that occurred at this specific level show that there was not only a relationship to individual identity that was a part of gender roles. More importantly, there was an association with group and social roles as well as what was considered as acceptable in this setting. As one of the members found that the gender identity was acceptable and was a reflection of the self, others began to move into the interaction and became more active with the same reflections of gender identity. De-genderizing and Society The idea of passing gender, as noted from this situation, is important to identify not only because of what was considered as acceptable within society. The responses that occurred also created a set of questions from the audience as well as from the transvestites when it came to gender identity and the reflection of self. The transvestites became a central question of what gender means and which boundaries should be set when crossing and passing to the opposite side of gender. The performance that was set as well as the interactions that occurred were all based on trying to redefine gender and what it means to pass through to another gender. The few responses that were opposing to this idea, as well as the individuals that tried to reflect and identify with what was acceptable were all based on the idea of re-creating gender and trying to identify new boundaries when gender is not considered in a traditional sense. The transvestite role that was created is one that is based on the concept of de – genderizing the assumptions that are a part of gender role. The definition that is created is one that holds several assumptions, values and boundaries that are a part of traditional gender and what is expected. When examining transvestites; however, the assumptions and boundaries are immediately broken and gender is not able to hold the same role. The expectations of traditional roles, as well as the assumptions that are made with the role of transvestites are a part of the audience interaction and the ability to identify with the self. However, when the transvestites moved onto the stage, there was a breaking of the traditional roles, assumptions and boundaries. The transvestites became a symbol that represented the deconstruction of gender and the assumptions that follow this. More importantly, the associations that were created in terms of gender role were chosen by the audience over what they considered as acceptable or not in terms of their own identity with gender. The particular interchange that occurred was one that was able to lead to accomplishing gender, which specifically established a new set of rules and definitions of what it means to belong to a specific gender identity (Rogers, 1992). The particular identity and assumptions that are made lead to what is known as doing gender. The actions, reactions and the expectations that follow not only the feminine and masculine viewpoints, but also the transvestite interactions, create a different response to the expectations that occur. It is not the identity of gender from a biological perspective that becomes important. Instead, it is the actions that create gender identity and the definitions that become the main center and standard of what is occurring within a situation. “Certain conventional ways of doing gender are natural and can be challenged by looking at the different ways that gender has been done throughout history. And in contemporary everyday life, social structures like class hierarchies produce varying patterns of femininity and masculinity. Comparing these illustrates that some ways of doing gender are valued more than others and that these are passed on in ways that reinforce the power of certain social groups” (Holmes, 2009). The passing of certain ideals and the conventions that are noted in contemporary society, when looking at the role of transvestites, is able to break the hierarchical structure. Transvestites don’t fit into either the feminist or masculine role that is a part of society, but instead fit into both and neither of the expected roles. This breaks the power of gender and the learning and doing that is a part of gender. Most that were confronted with the performance of the transvestites also had to question the way in which they passed with concepts of gender identity. The interactions that occurred within the club were based on the gender identity that was excepted in society, as well as what redefined gender roles. The specific association with this was based on the conventional understanding of gender and what others could identify with. Whenever there was a crossing of gender that many could identify with, the interactions that were a part the transvestites would heighten the response from the crowd. However, when the interactions from the transvestites crossed gender, the crowd would not respond as much, as the identity with the concept of gender was lost. Doing this with the performance was able to create a different set of expectations and led to the de-genderalizing of learned thoughts and actions. As the performance continued, the individuals in the audience began to expect the changed role of identity and the different definitions that were a part of the transvestite performance. The de-genderalizing led to new information of what it meant to belong to a gender, with learned actions and interactions that occurred between the audience and the individuals. How Gender Is Done The concepts that were applied during the performance led to what is known as a managed achievement of recreating gender. The sex status that is a part of the intersexed person is one that immediately identifies the understanding and approaches that are a part of gender identity. The intersexed person is able to create a specific interaction with the audience and the way that one relates to the idea of gender. As the interactions continue, there is a different definition of what the real sense of reality is for gender identity. The particular interactions are based first on the definition of sexual status and what is expected with one gender to the next. The intersexed person is able to create a break with this because of the questions that are a part of reality and the way that it exists. Sex composition is created, constituted and changed according to the way that different individuals associate with reality of gender. To do this, there needs to be a basis of what was expected in the beginning, as well as what has always been with gender. These interchanges then lead to a different understanding with the intersexed individual. When someone moves into being a transvestite, they also state that this is what they have felt all along, specifically with the alternative gender. What is learned and understood with their gender identity creates a different sexual status that is constituted within society (Stryker, Whittle, 2006). The passing that is created by transvestites and the associations with expectations and interchanges, then relates to the categorization of what is expected with sexual status and the breaking of traditional roles. More important than the crossing of gender, is the sexual status that comes from breaking out of the expectations of transvestites. Gender that is accomplished within this role is one that breaks and rebels from the expectations and leads into the de-genderizing of the individuals that are a part of the specific interactions. As this is done, there is a different sexual nature and set of definitions that constitute sexual status. The gender that is accomplished through this is one that doesn’t hold the specific roles. Instead, it creates the concept of power over gender and the expectations that become a part of this. When looking at the transvestite role, it is one that is specific to interactions that move against the traditional roles and values to create an alternative sexual status. The individuals that respond to this are then able to provide a compliment and reflection of what is acceptable as gender roles, as well as the association of measurements that create the expectations of a new gender (Speer, 2005). The particular concept of redefining gender by rebellion through the performance was one that could be noted and changed the way that individuals responded. There were specific parts of the performance that moved outside of the expectations of gender role. This was done as the transvestites related to their sexual status as passing over to the other gender and as crossing into the alternative learned behaviors. The performance of the transvestites was one that constituted a specific role that was based on a rebellion of gender behaviors. However, each of these performances also included traditional roles that were incorporated from both the feminine and masculine viewpoints. As this was done, there was also an association of the rebellion of gender. This initialized a new set of definitions of what was accepted or rejected from the audience. If the transvestites moved outside of the boundaries of gender, then a specific response would be given that showed that there was not an acceptance of what was occurring. This was furthered by the understanding of what gender was as well as the sexual status of each of the individuals. As the sexual status of the transvestites was redefined and understood, it helped to create new boundaries and definitions as a part of the gender. Conclusion Understanding the different concepts that are a part of gender role constitutes several different alternatives of sexual status and what is expected in society. When looking at a performance from transvestites, there is an understanding of what the transvestites expect as their own definition of gender and what their identity is in society. More importantly, the audience interaction creates a specific response and understanding of what identifies gender. The movement beyond boundaries of gender is able to deconstruct the meaning of learned gender identity from a conventional standpoint. In response, a new concept of gender, identity and different definitions are able to create a specific response and understanding of what is a part of society and what is expected as a part of gender roles. De-genderizing what is expected in society, and reconstructing the definitions of gender that individuals can reflect upon when looking at transvestites, then creates a different understanding of what constitutes gender roles an identity in society. References Goffman, Erving. (1963). Behavior in Public Places: Notes on the Social Organization of Gatherings. New York: The Free Press. Goffman, Erving. (1967). Interaction Ritual – Essays on Face to Face Behavior. New York: Anchor Books. Holmes, Mary. (2009). Gender and Everyday Life. New York: Routledge. Rogers, Mary. (1992). They All Were Passing: Agnes, Garfinkel, and Company. Gender and Society (6), (2). Speer, Susan. (2005). Gender Talk: Feminism, Discourse and Conversation Analysis. New York: Routledge. Stryker, Susan, Stephen Whittle. The Transgender Studies Reader. New York: Routledge. Read More