Construction of trans masculinities: experiences of trans men, lawyers and psychiatrists in Turkey

This thesis focuses on the experiences of trans men in Turkey by focusing on the present forms of identification, transition process, and negotiations and alliances particularly with legal and psychiatric professionals. Based on in-depth interviews and participant observation with trans men, as well as a small number of interviews with lawyers and psychiatrists, this research explores the potential contingencies of trans men’s “transitions” in terms of their self-identifications, visibilities and embodiments within the social and institutional spaces in Turkey. How do trans men experience their trans masculinities? How and to what extent can they reach information on what it means to be a trans man for others, as well as for legal and medical institutions? What sorts of challenges do trans men bring to light in relation to these institutional spaces and practices? How and to what extent, do the alliance between trans men and LGBTI+ friendly doctors and lawyers perpetuate and/or challenge the state enforcements? Where do the concepts of transgenderism, masculinity, psychiatry and law overlap in relation to the construction of trans masculinities? Departing from these questions, this thesis argues that trans men, as well as their psychiatrists and lawyers, affect each other in their construction of trans man identity and trans masculinities, and thereby challenge the institutional and societal milieus’ comprehension of trans subjectivities and masculinities. The thesis aims to contribute to the existing literature on transgenderism and masculinities by exploring the identity making and community building practices among trans men, and lawyers and psychiatrists in Turkey