Archives

In the narrowest sense, archives are collections of records or historical materials that are professionally curated and maintained for the purpose of preservation and access. More broadly, the term archives has been used both as a theoretical concept and as a vernacular description for any collections of materials. In all senses of the term, archives have been important for Trans Studies, particularly as a resource for primary source accounts of trans lives. This entry offers a brief introduction to trans-specific archival efforts and the complexities involved in representing trans experiences in the historical record.

Although the term transgender was popularized in the late 20th century in North America, historical evidence shows that people have transgressed gender norms throughout human history and around the world. Thus, while ...