Trans-gender things: Objects and the materiality of trans-femininity in Ming-Qing China

Abstract

This article demonstrates that objects, more specifically the trans usage of objects that disrupted and rearticulated the normative alignment of objects, sexed bodies and gender embodiments, served a formative role in helping male-assigned individuals to cross gender boundaries and achieve trans-femininity in Ming-Qing China. The examined objects include the foot-binding cloth for the feminine bodily image of bound feet, the embroidery needle for ‘womanly work’ and concealing underwear for feminine, penetrated sexual acts. This object-oriented heuristic offers a new culturally specific approach to trans history beyond identarian frameworks and foregrounds the material multiplicity of trans formations and embodiments in Ming-Qing China.