For a Sociology of Transsexualism

The aim of this article is to explore the development of theories on transsexualism with a view to advancing a typology of theories of transsexualism. This typology exposes a general shift from concerns with 'authenticity' (the transsexual as a 'real' woman or man) to issues of 'performativity' (the transsexual as hyperbolic enactment of gender). I will argue it is through a displacement of psychology with sociology as the major lens through which transsexualism is theorized that such a shift from authenticity to performativity is effected. The final typology considers the notion of transgression (rendering the modem two-gender system obsolete). The article argues that whilst transgression may be possible, it is not guaranteed by all forms of tramsexualism.