A Distillation of Resilience: Female Masculinity in Form

Abstract

This thesis reviews the ways in which female masculinity is defined, organized and ignored in dominant discourse. The objective is to demonstrate that female masculinity can be deemed a valuable category well beyond the borders of the gender binary. In this research, I pay careful attention to the construction of language around gender identities, and the ways in which female masculine identity has been dislodged from the category of trans identity. This research will shed light on the liminal spaces and magical places of identity in which masculine women dwell. The goal of this thesis is to determine and define common threads of resilience found in the lived, embodied experiences of masculine women who participate in the research process. Drawing on standpoint theory and genderqueer theories, these potential filaments of resilience will be examined through Photovoice methodology. Research findings will be organized into a visual art exhibition to further engage and encourage a public conversation about female masculinity as a gender.