Who Counts as Trans? A Critical Discourse Analysis of Trans Tumblr Posts

Internet and social media sites have long served as a rich form of community-building knowledge exchange within transgender communities. In particular, Tumblr has become popular site among trans youth in recent years. Paralleling changes medical mainstream societal understandings what it means to be transgender, users engaged dialogue debate about the definitions limits identity. While research established potential for positive identity-formation LGBTQ+ on Tumblr, is also important consider how online communities may re-inscribe hegemonic narratives addition disrupting dominant discourses ideologies. Using critical discourse analysis posts, this analyses define “who counts trans,” including gender dysphoria its relationship identities. Our findings provide insight into boundaries their identities struggle visibility, resources, respect.