NAMING THE THIRD GENDER: A FEMINIST CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF CISGENDER DISCOURSE ON TRANSGENDER PUBLIC FIGURES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Transgender individuals have faced centuries of marginalization and stigma, including social exclusion, violence, and deprivation of basic rights. However, despite these challenges, some transgender individuals in Pakistan have achieved professional success and gained recognition on social media. The primary aim of this study is to explore how cisgender individuals perceive transgender public figures in Pakistan who have gained limelight on social media due to their achievements in various notable professions. Specifically, the research seeks to determine whether the social status attained by these transgender individuals has improved cisgender stereotypical perceptions of them. To achieve this, the study will analyze comments made by cisgender users on the transgender public figures’ social media posts. The research adopts Sara Mills’ Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis model (1995) as its analytical framework, specifically examining the use of generic nouns and pronouns. The sample selected for the study included the top 18 transgender public figures in Pakistan, selected based on the number of followers/subscribers on their public social media accounts across various platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The findings of the study indicate that cisgender individual’s choice of generic nouns and pronouns for transgender public figures in their online comments reflects patriarchal ideologies and cisnormative attitudes, as well as, traditional feminine roles typically associated with common transgender individuals in Pakistani society. Additionally, cisgender individuals tend to use depersonalizing and neutral terms that convey detachment and a sense of otherness toward transgender public figures. The analysis ascertains the role of language in social exclusion and inclusion, supporting Mills' assertion that linguistic choices reproduce ideological processes. The study concludes that while transgender public figures may achieve social recognition through their societal accomplishments, this does not ensure them acceptance from the cisgender community, and advocates using mindful and respectful language practices.