by Carmen Armignonette, Master in Environmental Studies (MES) Planning Alumna

My research focuses on trans activism within the realm of urban planning, framing it as a form of counter-planning. This interest stems from my position at the intersection of multiple marginalities, motivating me to explore how marginalized groups can shape their urban environments. I argue that recent transgender-centered urban activism represents a "fifth wave" of counter-planning, emphasizing the experiences and rights of transgender individuals in the built environment. My paper traces the evolution of counter-planning, beginning with feminist disruptions of male-normative planning, and progressing through movements focused on race, LGBTQ+ identities, and immigrant experiences. The current phase, which I identify as trans-focused, prioritizes the voices and claims of transgender individuals, challenging the cis-hetero-normative frameworks that have historically dominated urban planning. Through an interdisciplinary lens - including urban theory, feminist theory, critical race theory, and queer theory - I examine how trans activists are leveraging planning mechanisms to confront urban transphobia and advocate for their right to the city. This includes an analysis of housing, public resources, and urban spaces.

Key Findings

My findings reveal that transgender individuals and activists are actively contesting the cis-hetero-normative visions of urban space. This fifth wave of activism seeks to reclaim the "right to the city," much like previous movements challenged the male normativity, racial exclusion, and heteronormativity embedded in urban planning.

Trans-urban activism employs specific tactics—advocating for gender-inclusive facilities, challenging discriminatory zoning and housing policies, and disrupting the gendered organization of public spaces. These actions can be understood as forms of "insurgent planning," contesting the hegemonic norms of urban design and working towards more inclusive spatial practices that reflect diverse gender identities. Furthermore, the mobilization of the transgender community around issues such as housing and access to public resources aligns with Marxist perspectives on the production of space, highlighting how their activism confronts the capitalist dynamics that marginalize nonconforming gender identities. By asserting their spatial claims, trans activists challenge exclusionary urban development and demand a more equitable city.

In summation, the case of trans-urban activism as a counter-planning practice not only extends the historical trajectories of feminist, racial, LGBTQ+, and immigrant movements but also represents a vital current in the ongoing struggle for social justice in urban environments.

The Meaning of Equity Planning:

As a MES Planning alumna, equity planning represents a vital opportunity to actively dismantle the historical legacies of discrimination in urban development. It involves centering the voices and experiences of marginalized communities—those who have often been excluded from planning processes. It demands us to recognize the systemic inequalities embedded in our cities and working to create inclusive policies and practices that address these disparities. It’s about ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes. By prioritizing the needs of historically marginalized groups, equity planning not only fosters social justice but also enriches our urban environments. It challenges the status quo and seeks to create spaces that reflect the spatial diversity, ultimately leading to more vibrant, resilient, and equitable cities.

Looking Forward:

I plan to pursue a PhD to deepen my research on the spatial and social experiences of marginalized communities. While I don't have a specific goal yet, I intend to build on the theoretical and methodological advances from my current work. My aim is to contribute to a more inclusive framework that challenges existing disparities and promotes equity in urban environments. Through this research, I hope to advocate for policies that empower marginalized voices and facilitate meaningful change in urban planning practices.