A Narrative Theory of Gender Identity

Existing accounts of gender identity are inadequate. Accounts which define gender identity in terms
of other 'dimensions' of gender problematically fail to respect self-identification in some cases;
accounts which reduce gender identity to self-identification cannot explain why gender identity
matters, or how it relates to other 'dimensions' of gender.
I'll propose a new, 'narrative' account of gender identity, on which having a gender identity is a
matter of constructing a correspondingly gendered narrative to make sense of one's life
experiences. Having defended this 'account, I'll address questions in the metaphysics of gender,
such as: in virtue of what does a subject have a particular gender identity? How does gender
identity relate to other 'dimensions' of gender?
I'll consider implications for questions in public policy, medical ethics, and feminist theory. I'll
investigate why misgendering is a serious harm, and what claims trans people have to having their
gender identities recognised by the state; which justifications can be given for gender-related body
modifications, whether these are cosmetic or medical interventions, and what claims trans people
have to state-funded gender-affirmative body modifications; and how we should respond to 'gender
critical' feminists who assert their womanhood, but insist they have no 'gender identity'.