Trans feminism as an outsider within the neoliberal university: On trans feminism's relation to institutionalized gender and queer studies and the instrumentalization of Blackness

The article argues that trans feminism occupies the location of an outsider within the neoliberal university, particularly institutionalized gender and queer studies. Trans feminism must differentiate its epistemological frameworks from those of gender and queer studies, while simultaneously being dependent on the invitation to be accommodated in their departments. In the context of the neoliberal university, this invitation forces trans feminism into a predicament that positions it as an outsider within institutionalized gender and queer studies and reinforces the instrumentalization of Blackness. Instead of getting lost in epistemological trench warfare, epistemological work must focus on coalition-building and on those who are especially affected by violence, in particular Black, poor, and sex-working trans women.