La politización de los afectos: maternidades, cuidados y activismo familiar en torno a las experiencias trans

Abstract

Abstract

In Mexico, in recent decades, families' reactions to the disclosure of their trans children's non-normative gender identity have undergone significant transformations. In the recent past, these responses were marked by violence of varying types and degrees, which, in most cases, led to the child leaving home, either voluntarily or involuntarily. In contrast, today it is increasingly common for families, especially mothers, to choose to empathetically, affectionately, and actively support the transition processes of their loved ones. This article analyzes the role of family support in these transition processes, as well as its evolution toward forms of social and political activism, based on the case of the Humanidad Transfamilias Collective. From a gender perspective and an affective turn in the social sciences, a qualitative, ethnographic, and autoethnographic study was conducted, involving participant observation, analysis of digital platforms, and interviews with mothers of trans people and with trans adults who are members of the collective. The findings show that maternal care and affection are resignified as communal and political practices. It is concluded that maternal activism constitutes a politicization of intimacy that challenges heteronormative and patriarchal structures, generates support networks, and contributes to social change.