"I'm Supposed to Relate to This?": A Trans Woman on Issues of Identification with Trans Moving Images

Abstract

This thesis challenges common assumptions of trans moving images by applying theories of identification to an autoethnographic close reading of three specific texts – Hedwig and The Angry Inch (John Cameron Mitchell, 2001), Dallas Buyers Club (Jean- Marc Vallée, 2013) and Transparent (Jill Soloway, 2014) - considered by both mainstream and queer audiences to feature transgender characters and experiences. This thesis, while limited to the author’s experience as a trans woman, attempts to advance the argument that identification with trans moving images may change with one’s transition and require a reassessing of “what is trans” along with resituating the trans spectator from “object of the gaze” to “bearer of the look” (Mulvey, 1975).