“Transitions” with Ava L. J. Kim

What do transitions have to do with the nation state? More than you think! Ava Kim joins me to speak about how conceptions of gender are deeply (and problematically) entwined with the nation. Ava speaks about powerful examples of transition narratives from Chile, Vietnam and Argentina to illustrate this and gives us a sneak peek into her forthcoming book on trans genre.  References:Ava Kim’s Still / Life: Trans Genre and the Politics of Anti-Development (forthcoming)Ava Kim’s “The Future is Child’s Play” GLQ (2025)Davy KnittleMellon FoundationChristoph HanssmannStem the Tide: Trans Liberation in an Age of FascismTravestiNyke SlawikLucía Puenzo’s XXY (2007)Marlene WayarMauro Cabral GrinspanWinnicott’s space of playPaz ErrázurizGina Apostol’s InsurectoJessica Hagedorn’s Dream Jungle and DogeatersTrans subterfugeBalangigaSebastián Lelio’s A Fantastic Woman/ Una Mujer Fantástica  Questions you should be able to respond to after listening:     Are you familiar with the term travesti? Please look it up and find a helpful definition.     Which forms of transition does Ava talk about? How do they relate to one another?     In how far is transition a narrative form? What does this have to do with the nation as a form?     How does Ava define trans subterfuge?     What are some of the connections between nation and gender Ava and I speak about? Can you think of others? Have you ever been affected by any of them?