Dysphoria: Sex, Gender and Trauma in African Literature

Is that a boy or a girl? How can we tell? What if we can’t tell? Do we need to know? What about people who aren’t entirely male or female? Which pronouns should we use? Is gender expression, gender identity and gender presentation the same thing? Are all non-binary, genderqueer or gender non-conforming people transgender? Why should “transgender” only be used as an adjective but never as a noun? Why is “transgendered” grammatically incorrect? When did singular “they” become a legitimate pronoun? Does it matter?

In 1996, South Africa became the first country in the world to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. South Africa is still the only country on the continent to offer constitutional protection against discrimination based on sex and gender. Yet, it would seem that the transgender community has nevertheless largely been forgotten in the fight for equality. This is perpetuated in the post-apartheid narratives of South African short stories, novels and plays where gay, lesbian and (every now and again) bisexual characters occasionally make an incidental appearance but rarely ever enjoy the spotlight as the central protagonist. With trans characters, make that nearly never. Given the indigenous knowledge of African transgender and intersex identity, why is that?

Moderator:

• Ashraf Johaardien

Panelists:

• Dee Marco
• Fred Khumalo
• Mary Watson
• Ruth Ramsden-Karelse

Please use the following link to register for the session
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KWAI3ytUTfKmXKs-nVjFKw