My research set out to dissect the question: How can monstrosity be reclaimed through transness? Understanding the concept of "monstering" as a verb, an action, is at the core of monstrously trans reclamation. The autonomy of trans people is constantly under attack, so by reclaiming our ascribed villainy, we rebirth and free ourselves once more. The literature I reviewed spans over the course of decades, and transness has evolved a lot since the 90s. What I believe matters about transness is what it can do for someone. The freedom to accept yourself in your full horror and monstrosity, to cast aside the limitations of purity, that is what trans monstrosity is. To stare down the world and say, "I'm a monster, and I like it. I want to be this way."
Iris Hill is a senior majoring in English and Writing Studies with a concentration in Creative Writing. They are minoring in Sociology, Professional Writing, and Health Humanities. He enjoys exploring the intersections of literature, creative writing, and sociology. At home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Iris has five cats.