Trans men doing gender at work

Abstract

In this article we explore the practices of trans men in England, undertaken to accomplish gender in the workplace, recognizing the importance of a ‘situated’ analysis incorporating context and life history. We find trans men simultaneously to conform and challenge masculinity, informed both by preference and necessity in order to survive and progress at work, which in turn impacts the potential for any male advantage that may be enjoyed. We note that the more coherently masculine a trans man is, the less ‘trouble’ is caused by his gender (trans masculinity). We demonstrate that they often have to adjust their gender practices and/or workplace to secure or progress at work but also retain a capacity to trouble the gender binary (trans masculinity). We consider the implications for trans men at work.