Trans Cultures Online

This entry introduces the contemporary transgender experience online. Compared to earlier communication formats, digital communications radically changed transgender social support systems and political organizing. These changes can be understood as falling under at least one of four primary categories of user practices: information seeking, self-representation, social support, and political activism. Online, transgender individuals consistently use the internet to find information on a variety of topics, from dress and presentation tips and local support groups, to affirming medical professionals. Using social media platforms like Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, and Instagram, individuals can present themselves in ways that reflect their chosen gender identity. Their posting practices vary, from self-photography and video blogging to expert advice aimed at those just coming out. Through their posts, comments, and other sharing practices, users build social connection and support networks. Transgender individuals use these same practices for a variety of political activism, including awareness raising, letter campaigns, and documenting transgender history. However, platform affordances and policies, such as Facebook's requirement to use one's “real name,” can also limit transgender users' representational possibilities.