“Contrary to All the Other Shit I’ve Said”: Trans Men Passing in the South

This article examines the influence of geographic location on trans men’s desire to pass in the southeastern United States. Through 51 in-depth interviews with trans men, I find three key reasons for passing in the South: 1) self-confidence and psychological health; 2) the privileges of being a man; and 3) safety and fear of violence. These motives for passing are amplified in the South, where transphobic and homophobic incidences of discrimination and fear are elevated. The trans men in this study linked their increased desire to pass in the South to conservative religion, racism, and increased fear of violence. Although passing was important for all but one respondent, some of the men also discussed problems with the concept of passing and the negative consequences of passing as cis men.