Transexual “womanhood” and the emergence of transfeminism: Rhetorics of hiv/aids in the light of the queer theory

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the female transsexual identity and the emergence of transfeminism through the context of vulnerability to HIV / AIDS in light of the Queer Theory. Method: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study based on the Queer Theory, carried out in a reference hospital for HIV/AIDS in the State of Pernambuco (Brazil), developed with six young transsexual women. The interviews were analyzed in the IRaMuTeQ software via the similarity analysis method. Results: The relation of male domination through the subordination of the transsexual woman, which originates in the binary, sexist and male chauvinistic heteronormative model, is emphasized. The context of vulnerability to HIV / AIDS is evidenced as a naturalized phenomenon of violence to the young “queer” woman, especially with precarious living conditions, history of family rejection, sexual violence and informal prostitution work. Lack of support from the social network and the imminent risk of transphobic violence result in damage to their physical and mental integrity. The following categories were observed: Emergence of transfeminism through symbolic violence and female transsexual identity and the context of vulnerability. Conclusion: The social impacts of the minimal state policy, social class cohesion (binarism, sexism, racism and male chauvinism), unequal social capital and culture of abjection of transsexual women reflect the context of the HIV / AIDS epidemic and inequalities that result in individual, contextual and programmatic vulnerability and in factors which limit the attainment of a healthy life.