Trans of Color Social Work

Undergraduate / Graduate

This introductory course examines the histories and social meanings of transgender and gender-variant life through the perspectives of women of color feminism, trans of color studies, and social work. Rather than approaching transgender people primarily as a population requiring culturally competent services, the course asks how gender variance has been shaped by histories of race, colonialism, migration, medicine, family, and state regulation, as well as by the communities and practices of care developed in response to these forces. Students will be introduced to foundational concepts in transgender studies and feminist thought while examining how institutions have classified, treated, protected, and sometimes harmed gender-variant people. Particular attention will be given to Black, Latinx, Indigenous, immigrant, and other trans of color experiences in order to understand how gender is lived differently across social and historical contexts. Through historical materials, case studies, cultural texts, and social work scholarship, students will consider how these histories can inform ethical and structurally responsive practice with transgender and gender-diverse communities.