Chapter 2. How Queer Theory and Adjacent Philosophy Theories Harm Trans People

Queer theory does not exist in a vacuum. Rather, it is the product of a long and complicated tradition of radical theory coming out from academic philosophy, and its ideas interact with other related theories from the same tradition, both on the theoretical level and in real life activism. These 'adjacent' theories include radical feminism, postmodern feminism, critical theory, poststructuralism, intersectionality, and more. In terms of real world effects, the contribution of these other theories cannot be separated from queer theory.

This chapter will examine the many ways in which queer theory and its 'adjacent' theories harm trans people, the trans conversation, and ultimately trans acceptance and trans rights. (The next chapter will examine the broader context of the rise of these theories, and the problem they are posing for contemporary Western society more generally.)

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