Beatriz Preciado entrevistada por Alejandro Jodorowsky

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, philosopher Beatriz Preciado explores the fluidity of gender and sexuality, challenging traditional definitions and roles imposed by society. She emphasizes the importance of intellectual evolution, rejecting stagnant ideas, and advocates for a more experimental approach to identity. Preciado critiques the societal construction of gender norms and discusses her experiences with testosterone as a political tool for empowerment. The conversation underscores the need for a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and the transformative potential of personal experiences, pushing boundaries in both philosophical thought and lived realities.

Takeaways

• 📚 Beatriz Preciado is a renowned philosopher whose work challenges traditional gender roles and has been recognized as influential in contemporary intellectual discourse.
• 💡 Preciado emphasizes the importance of fluid thinking and adaptability in the face of evolving societal norms, arguing against stagnant ideas.
• 🔍 She criticizes the limited roles assigned to women, suggesting that society often reduces them to four stereotypes: mother, virgin, fool, or other.
• 🌐 Preciado's philosophy includes the concept of 'queer theory,' which emerged from the reappropriation of an insult into a political movement in the late 1980s.
• 👩‍🎓 As a professor at Paris 8 University, she teaches gender theory, history of sexuality, and performance studies, pushing boundaries in academic discourse.
• ⚧ Preciado identifies as transgender, moving beyond traditional definitions of femininity and masculinity, and views gender and sexuality as social constructs.
• 🧪 She discusses the societal implications of scientific categorization of sexualities, noting that concepts like heterosexuality and homosexuality are relatively recent inventions.
• 🚫 Preciado points out that access to masculinity for women is politically dangerous, while men transitioning to femininity may enter a victimized space.
• 🌈 She advocates for personal experimentation with sexuality and the body, encouraging individuals to reclaim their experiences and identities.
• 💊 Preciado presents testosterone as a political drug, arguing that women should have access to it for personal empowerment, similar to how they are prescribed estrogen.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Beatriz Preciado's work?

Beatriz Preciado's work centers on gender theory, sexuality, and the critique of traditional roles assigned to women in society. She emphasizes fluidity in thought and identity, challenging static definitions of gender.

How does Preciado define her current identity?

Preciado currently identifies as transgender, stating that transgender identity transcends traditional notions of femininity and masculinity.

What does Preciado mean by 'philosophy queer'?

Philosophy queer refers to a set of trans, mestizo theories that challenge conventional understandings of gender and sexuality, advocating for a more inclusive and fluid conception of identity.

Why does Preciado reject traditional definitions of heterosexuality and homosexuality?

She argues that these categories are socially constructed and historically specific, invented in the late 19th century to regulate sex and reproduction within a capitalist framework.

What role does Preciado see for experimentation in the understanding of gender?

Preciado advocates for personal experimentation with gender and sexuality as a means to explore and challenge societal norms, rather than adhering to predefined identities.

What is the significance of testosterone in Preciado's discussion?

Testosterone is discussed as a political tool that can be used by individuals, regardless of gender, to explore their bodies and assert agency over their identity, highlighting the arbitrary nature of hormonal assignments.

How does Preciado view the relationship between body and identity?

She views the body as a site of experimentation and transformation, arguing that gender and sexuality are not fixed but rather constructed through social and political processes.

What does Preciado suggest about the treatment of women and their access to testosterone?

Preciado points out the irony in women's widespread use of estrogen for contraception while testosterone, which could also empower women, is often stigmatized, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards masculinity and femininity.

How does Preciado believe traditional philosophy restricts understanding of identity?

She criticizes traditional philosophy for being restrictive and disconnected from lived experiences, advocating for a more experimental approach that incorporates insights from various disciplines.

What message does Preciado convey about acceptance of differences in identity?

Preciado emphasizes the importance of embracing and respecting differences in identity, arguing that diversity should foster connection rather than division among individuals.