Mapping Transgender History

Abstract

History of transgender, transexual, MTF, FTM, and queer peoples is exceedingly significant towards understanding transgender rights, advocacy, and pro-trans policy. The history of transsexuality and transgender has been significantly impacted by incorrect assumptions and perceptions of normal sex and gender behaviors. The Transgender Oral History Project (TOHP) as part of the The Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Studies within University of Minnesota Libraries works to give voice back to transgender people, who have repeatedly had their voices ignored, through the medium of oral history. This research has focused on the task of creating a comprehensive timeline for transgender history in the United States. For any movement it is essential to know where you are from, to know where you are going. Outlined in this document are the major transgender history events, along with influential people, and historical changes to the language of transgenderism.