Join us for a special TASA Thursdays session on 23 April at 12:30pm AEST featuring renowned sociologist and author Raewyn Connell, discussing her new book Trans Lives.
In this timely presentation, Raewyn reflects on the changing social and political landscape shaping trans experiences globally, and why it is critical to rethink how we understand and support trans lives today. Drawing on historical and contemporary case studies across multiple countries, Trans Lives explores gender as a lived and social process, the realities of transition, and the broader structures—such as class, race, institutions, and the state—that shape trans lives.
The session will also examine the rise of anti-trans movements worldwide and highlight the importance of collective organising, solidarity, and social justice in responding to these challenges. Accessible and thought-provoking, this discussion offers valuable insights for sociologists, researchers, and anyone interested in gender, inequality, and social change.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 13:30pm (AEST)
Format: Zoom Webinar
Webinar
Cost: complimentary
Your Speaker
Raewyn Connell
As a sociologist, Raewyn became known for research on large-scale class dynamics (Ruling Class, Ruling Culture, 1977; Class Structure in Australian History, 1980), and on how class and gender hierarchies are made and re-made in the everyday life of schools (Making the Difference, 1982; Teachers’ Work, 1985). She developed a social theory of gender relations (Gender and Power, 1987; Gender: in World Perspective, 2002/2015), which emphasised that gender is a large-scale and dynamic social structure not just a matter of personal identity. In applied fields she has worked on poverty and education (Schools and Social Justice, 1993), sexuality and AIDS prevention, and gender equity.
Raewyn is best known internationally for studies on masculinity. She was one of the founders of this research field and her book Masculinities (1995, 2005) is the best known in the field. The concept of ‘hegemonic masculinity’ has been particularly influential and has attracted much debate. As well as doing some of the pioneering empirical work in this field, Raewyn has written extensively about its applications to education, health, and the reduction of violence.