A Plea For Help

by Sally Hines

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My name is Sally Hines. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am carrying out research on social aspects of transgenderism for a PhD at the University of Leeds. My research is linked to a broader research project within the university on Care, Values and the Future of Welfare. This five year project is investigating changes in family life, social practices and intimate relationships, with a view to informing future social policy by developing a framework of "common values" that is inclusive of a diversity of social practices and beliefs. The motivation for my research is to include transgendered practices and beliefs and relationships in the sociological study of changing social practices and relationships. Although social research in this area has started to include gay men and lesbians, transgenderism remains very much an under-researched area, and transgendered voices are absent from the framework.

Specifically, my project is built around three themes. Through the first theme, transgendered identities, I am to explore the similarities and differences in transgendered identities, by looking at what transpeople have in common and how they are different. I will explore a diversity of transgendered identities including F.T.M. as well as M.T.F., with the aim of developing an analysis that is both inclusive and distinct. The second theme, intimate relationships, will examine the ways in which transgendered relationships and close friendships are formed, and will include the formation of close relationships outside of transgendered communities, as well as drawing on community involvement and activism. Through the final theme, practices of care, I will explore how the role of care operates within transgendered communities, and ask whether the marginalised status of transpeople and their communities has led to specific practices of care and self-help activism. Additionally, I will look at issues around parenting for transgendered individuals and couples. Theoretically I will examine the relationship between transgenderism and feminism, gay and lesbian theory and queer theory, as well as looking at recent debates within trans studies. I realise that my non-transgendered status will be off-putting for some. I am aware of previous research which has distorted and misrepresented transgendered voices and destroyed the trust of those involved. I therefore understand that some transgendered people are reluctant to trust non-transgendered researchers. I would, however, like to add that I have been involved both personally and academically in areas related to feminism and sexuality for many years and have a strong sense of ethics around research into sexuality. Above all, I aim to carry out my research with honesty and to respect the dignity of individuals who are involved. Potential respondents will be assured of anonymity and the opportunity of using pseudonyms throughout the interview process. I will also give respondents the chance to read interview transcripts and drafts of chapters and to talk to me about any concerns they may have over my analysis of interviews. In this way it is hoped that respondents who wish to will be able to have an ongoing input into the research process. My interest in transgenderism arose from a personal resonance with work attempting to deconstruct fixed gender and sexual identities (i.e. through my dislike of "categories") and from my engagement with queer theory. Whilst I remain excited by the destabilisation of presumed identities, reading more writing by transgendered people themselves has made me aware that all too often the subjective experiences of transpeople are missing from such queer accounts. I aim for my research to amend this tradition. Throughout the research my focus will be on the specific ways in which transgendered individuals and groups make sense of their own lives and on the ways in which people articulate their own experiences and life stories.

I will shortly be seeking to make contact with trans individuals with whom I can conduct semi-structured and narrative (free-flowing) interviews. I would be very grateful for any information or possible contact leads that you may have to offer. I will also be seeking to interview members of trans organisations, social groups and self-help groups to determine more "collective decisions", particularly in relation to care and parenting issues. Once again, respondents will be guaranteed anonymity.

I will happily discuss the project itself, my own motivation, or the interview questions or schedule in more detail with anyone who may be interested in taking part.

At this point in my study this letter is designed to alert interested parties to my research, as well as being a preliminary request for any information or details of any contacts you think may be useful.

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