This article is a contribution to Hyperallergic’s 2024 Pride Month series, which highlights dialogues with elder queer and transgender figures in the art community throughout June. Kate Bornstein’s perspective on gender is summed up in a unique way: her gender is 76. While not a selectable option on social media profiles yet, this notion reflects the idea of gender being a four-dimensional journey, part of the ongoing space-time continuum of her life. The trans activist and artist has been reshaping the conversation around gender for over thirty years. Even before ‘nonbinary’ was a recognized term, her groundbreaking 1994 book, ‘Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women, and the Rest of Us,’ challenged binary norms through a compelling mix of theory, personal narrative, and humor.
Bornstein has dedicated her life to fostering a better understanding of personal identity in a society that often resists deviation from traditional norms. Among her many publications are an autobiography titled ‘A Queer and Pleasant Danger: A Memoir’ (2012) and ‘Hello, Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks, and Other Outlaws’ (2006), a critical guide for survival. Her recent collaborative work with artist Kelindah Bee Schuster can be seen at the ‘Flagging the Circle’ exhibition at Sargent’s Daughters gallery in New York, with a silent auction hosted by Queer Art scheduled for June 20.
In a personal reflection, the experience of reading ‘Gender Outlaw’ was transformative, akin to stepping out of Plato’s cave. During our discussion, Kate expressed, ‘Everybody’s got a different truth of gender, and that’s where the real interesting points of connection can occur.’ This sentiment captures the essence of her mentorship and warmth, making her an invaluable guide to many.
In our interview, Kate shared insights into her early days of writing in the conservative climate of the 1980s and ’90s. She recounted her shift from the lesbian community to the world of performance art, where she found acceptance and inspiration from figures like Holly Hughes. Kate also discussed her evolving understanding of gender, describing it as a four-dimensional experience involving the body, mind, and a concept she calls the ‘quantum self,’ which transcends traditional gender categories.
Looking ahead, Kate has articulated these ideas in an essay to be included in an upcoming edition of ‘Hello Cruel World.’ This new edition addresses the increasing polarization in society and suggests ways to navigate it, including reimagining gender beyond two dimensions. On a lighter note, Kate finds joy in cooking, a skill she honed during the COVID pandemic, and she cherishes the happiness it brings when sharing meals with others.
