Trans media" usually describes the representation of trans people in media. While trans media have garnered many important critiques for their representations, such analyses tend to overlook the problems of representation inherent to trans phenomena themselves: If "trans" describes movement, how can it be represented? And if trans media resist representation, what are trans media, and what else might they do? This thesis investigates these questions through the author's affective encounter with several media objects made by trans creatives, including an artificially intelligent image generator, a short experimental film, and a Twitterbot. Using a theoretical framework of trans embodiment and new materialist media theory, the author argues that the performative processes of mediation embodied by these media-termed trans*mediation-articulate trans experiences beyond the limitations of representation. Trans*mediation creates opportunities to communicate the experience of shifting subjectivity while skirting cisnormativity, offering novel possibilities for trans expression, recognition, pleasure, and community.iii
AcknowledgementsWhile it too is limited by the restrictions of representation, this thesis is grounded in an understanding of phenomena as part of an always-shifting assemblage-an ontological position from which itself is not exempt. In other words, this thesis only came to be because of the hard work, support, and possibility-making of many people, beings, spaces, and structures, the extent of which I cannot possibly do justice in trying to name here. Thank you. It is a privilege to be entangled with you.Thank you to my supervisor, Dr. Sheryl N. Hamilton, for sharing your brilliance and believing in mine this entire time, even when things were difficult. Thank you to my second reader, Dr. Liam C. Young, for helping me start this academic journey and continuing to teach me so much along the way. Thank you to my external, Dr. Dan Irving, for your kindness, generosity, and critical feedback in my defence. Thank you to Dr. Sandra Robinson for chairing the defence; I am so grateful to have had your reassuring presence throughout the process.There have been so many other influential professors in my time here at Carleton to whom I owe my thanks, including the entirety of the incredible faculty in Communication Studies here at Carleton. I would also like to thank Dr. Laura Horak, Dr.Julia Sinclair-Palm, and Dr. Patrizia Gentile for your impactful tutelage and for sharing opportunities which I never thought possible for myself only a few short years ago.Maria-Antonia Urso: Thank you for your support in the worst of times, your celebration in the best of them, and especially for your friendship in those many moments in between. I am so happy you are in my life. Megan Q. Linton, thank you for showing me the importance of care, tenderness, and pleasure. Geneva Akinniyi, thank you for iv your loving pushes and laughter. Thank you, Dr. Melodie Cardin, for all you have taught me and for your shining friendship. Charlott...