Shifting forensic anthropology to consider transgender and gender diverse communities

What is it about?

This is a theoretical paper outline ways in which the field of forensic anthropology can incorporate the transgender and gender diverse communities, both as individuals and as whole communities, with a focus on areas of casework, research, and education. This paper also lays out the reason for such a need as well as makes a case for shifting the field from a purely analytical to a more advocate role, bringing it in line with the other sub-fields of anthropology.

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Why is it important?

Self identified and “out” Transgender and Gender Diverse individuals are increasing as representation grows. As a result, more and more trans and gender diverse individuals are becoming a growing part of the forensic population. Further, the field of forensic anthropology is just now coming to understand that more attention is need on these populations. Much of the literature to date is on how to identify these individuals methodologically, or on the need to consider trans identities in the field. This paper is more on how and why to incorporate these communities in the areas of casework, research, and education, going beyond the “forensic population”.