Middlesex: Queer Week: The Trans Body Politic
Our understanding of gender diversity has shifted exponentially over the past few decades, even reaching into the classroom. More than ever before children are dressing and living in their chosen gender, and courts are increasingly supporting their choices through mandated access to puberty blockers leading into their adult years. But what are the public attitudes to trans bodies, and how are these attitudes evolving? How is the trans community constituted and how is it faring?
We ask these questions of Melbourne’s Sally Goldner, a trans singer/songwriter, drummer, activist and a self-identified ‘bisexual Jewish cowgirl’; Brotherboy and Aboriginal activist Kai Clancy; Jez Pez, a queer trans man who works as youth worker, educator, and project manager; and of renowned ftm (female-to-male) porn star and documentary maker Buck Angel.
Hosted by Kath Duncan.
Buck Angel appears courtesy of Feast Adelaide Queer Cultural Festival.
Who?
Kai Clancy
Kai Clancy is 19 years old and was assigned female at birth. Kai is a Brotherboy (an Aboriginal transmasculine person); he comes from Wakka Wakka and Wulli Wulli nations. Kai has been heavily involved in Aboriginal politics in Brisbane. He is also a part of the newly formed collective WAR - Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance. Kai is a staunch advocate for aboriginal inclusivity and visibility in the transgender community.
Jez Pez
Jez Pez is a queer trans man. Professionally he works as a youth worker, educator and project manager in the field of trans and gender diversity. Jez is the creator of Dude magazine, a resource about trans masculinity and sexuality.
Buck Angel
Buck Angel was born a biological female and conquered a lifetime of adversity to undergo his transformation and become the healthy, happy, self-confident man he is today. Buck created the first FTM adult website in 2003 and became the first FTM adult entertainer and film producer. In 2007, Buck made history again as the first transsexual man to ever win the AVN Transsexual Performer of the Year award (the academy awards of the adult industry).
Sally Goldner
Sally Goldner’s involvement in the queer community for eighteen years includes time at TransGender Victoria (where she is now executive director) and Bisexual Alliance Victoria, and as presenter of 3CR’s Out of the Pan. She is the 2015 LGBTI Victorian of the year and joined the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2016.
Kath Duncan
Kath Duncan is a 50-something writer, activist and raconteur with many decades of feminist and disability pride under her belt. Kath works in social media, and has a background in journalism and teaching communications.
