Call for Researchers

In recent years there have been a growing number of studies in Israel from a transgender perspective, using trans theory or addressing the transgender community and topics related to it. Nevertheless, although there are several academic frameworks in which trans studies are beginning to take root (gender studies, LGBTQ forums and conferences), until now in Israel there has been no forum devoted exclusively to trans studies, which, in the past thirty years, have become a field of innovative and fascinating research at the global level.

A research group in trans studies grew out of the project titled Feminism and Transgenderism: Theory and Politics, held at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute in 2023–2024. The project addressed the theoretical and political tensions between parts of feminist thinking and action and trans studies, with the understanding that there is growing tension—worldwide and in Israel—between transgenderism as a field of study and theoretical thought, accompanied by politics and promotion of policy by people on the trans spectrum, on the one hand, and some of the basic assumptions of feminist theory and the politics of feminist struggles, on the other.

The trans studies research project, which will begin its activity at the Institute in 2025, is intended for both senior researchers and advanced graduate students who are addressing the field from the perspectives of diverse disciplines. The group aims to provide a space for thinking and discussion that will promote and enrich the participating studies, so as to help establish the field of trans studies, which is still in its infancy in Israeli academe. The group will meet monthly, and its participants will share work in progress, with the aim of laying the foundation for a seminar or academic conference at the Institute.

The monthly meetings will take place virtually, on Sundays, in the afternoon and evening, and membership in the group requires full participation. At the beginning of the year, we aim to hold an opening meeting in person.

We invite researchers, both senior and younger ones (including those working on master’s theses), from a host of disciplines, who are now engaged in research related to the field of trans studies, to present their candidacy for membership in the group. The applicants are asked to present a file no longer than one page, detailing the topic of the study, the stage at which it is (writing a proposal, gathering information, writing, editing, and so on), and its connection to trans studies. In addition, applicants must include personal details including academic stage and academic affiliation.

The application deadline: November 24, 2024

Send applications to timibd3@gmail.com

Responses will be sent in December.