Transparent and the optics of gender(ed) identity

Using ‘the transparent’ as its lens, this article discusses three scenes from Joey Soloway’s Transparent, aiming to trace how it invites reflection on the advantages and risks of visibilisation well plights recompenses invisibility. When scholars political science, social science or economics discuss transparency, many share an overwhelmingly positive understanding it, which has, lately, come under pressure. Adding critique, I argue that Transparent draws attention fact particularly for queer subject is deeply ambivalent. To back up claim, offer close readings: i) establishing shot, breaks 180°-rule warn against trusting what offered be seen; ii) a scene in Maura describes withstanding pressure heteronormative gaze, iii) Ali begins interrogate her own practices in_visibilisation. Through mise-en-scène, last example offers translucent’ alternative term, middle ground between potentially oppressive, isolating thus silencing invisibility exposing, objectifying threatening visibility.