An Anthropology of Gender Variance and Trans Experience in Naples. Beauty in Transit

This book recounts the author’s extensive fieldwork among the trans and gender-variant communities in Naples, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of their lived experiences. Central to this investigation are the femminielli, gender-variant figures who occupy a unique and historically significant place within the city’s oldest and most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. By situating their identities and roles within this specific micro-context, the book unveils the broader social, cultural, and historical dynamics that shape gender-variant and trans lives. The analysis delves into the intricate and evolving meanings of the body, tracing how these interpretations shift across time and intersect with collective ideals of beauty, identity, and self-presentation in contemporary society. Through this lens, the book highlights the ways in which gender-variant individuals navigate societal expectations, resist marginalization, and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Naples. By blending ethnographic insights with critical reflections, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the fluidity and resilience of gendered identities within a changing urban landscape.