Monday, March 21, 2011

"Trapped in the Wrong Theory: Re-Thinking Trans Oppression & Resistance" - Dr. Talia Bettcher

Please join us this Tuesday (3/22) at 3:15 pm in the Alumni Hall of the School of Education, Health, and Human Performance (86 Wentworth) for a presentation by Dr. Talia Bettcher, associate professor and director of the Center for the Study of Genders and Sexualities at California State University Los Angeles. Dr. Bettcher is a philosopher specializing in transgender studies, and in the history of early modern philosophy (esp. George Berkeley). She is also a performance artist, trans activist, and accordion player.

Dr. Bettcher's presentation is part of the College of Charleston Visiting Speaker Series,
co-sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Women's & Gender Studies.

Her presentation is entitled "Trapped in the Wrong Theory: Re-Thinking Trans Oppression & Resistance"

Abstract: "Many (but certainly not all) transgendered people find it natural, or perhaps useful, to negotiate life in our transphobic culture by relying on the 'trapped in the wrong body' narrative to frame their trans self-identities, both for themselves and for others-- especially hostile others. But feminist theorists have objected, with some justice, that this way of thinking about gender tends to reinforce oppressive views about women, by reinforcing traditional binary thinking about gender. Professor Bettcher will explore both the wrong body narrative and its feminist critique, with an eye toward greater appreciation of how the wrong body metaphor can also be seen as resistant to trans oppression in our society, which is quite distinct from oppression of women."

The Philosophical Society will be hosting an informal dinner gathering after Dr. Bettcher's presentation at the lounge at 14 Glebe Street.

1 comment:

  1. Oh -- WOW! I'd really like to be there but am not able to. Is there any chance this talk could be recorded and made available to us?????
    Thank you so much.
    Dee

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