Sexual Configurations Theory, Inclusion of Trans People

Sexual configurations theory (SCT) is a trans-inclusive theory, model, and measure of gender/sex and partnered sexuality that destabilizes ideas of universal gender truths and recognizes individuals’ authority to self-define. SCT makes space for binary and nonbinary trans existences and provides a visual medium for trans people and their partners to communicate their genders and/or sexualities with or without identity labels for themselves or others. It was published in 2015 by Sari van Anders and is rooted in trans lived experiences and scholarship, feminist and queer approaches, and marginalized and majority gender and sexual experiences. This entry summarizes the concepts in SCT and explains their relevance to trans understandings and experiences of gender, sex, and sexuality.