D.T.F

Words hold the essence of our collective history, embody the strength of our ideas, and possess the inherent capability to challenge or perpetuate the norms that shape our society. Within this framework, acronyms—often overlooked as simplistic shorthand—unveil their profound potential for depth and meaningful change. Consider "DTF," a phrase initially coined with a colloquial, sexually explicit meaning, which I have reinterpreted within academic and activist spheres as "Decolonial Trans Feminism."

Decolonial Trans Feminism (DTF) represents more than a mere acronym; it embodies a vigorous movement poised to confront the interlocking and intermeshed oppressions of colonialism, settler colonialism, patriarchies, white supremacies, and cis-heteronormativities. This expansion of meaning serves as a deliberate act to highlight the educational essence of decolonial trans feminism, broadening the horizon of meanings to a pluriversal array of interpretations, each committed to the task of decolonizing gender and sexuality. It serves as a guiding light of aspiration, dedicated to cultivating a society where every individual can thrive, released from the pervasive constraints that have historically bound their potential.

The lens of DTF opens a vista to myriad interpretations, each reflecting the nuances of what it means to teach decolonial trans feminism:

Down to Trans: Advocating for the visibility and rights of trans-Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Down to Faggotology: Reclaiming the erotic in the divine.

Down to Freedom: yes, this is about the liberation of us all.

Daring to Flourish: yes, trans people deserve to flourish.

Dreaming, Transforming, Forging: Envisioning a better future, transforming the present, and forging new futurities.

Determined to Fight: trans futurity is a political struggle!

Defy Traditional Frameworks: enough with indebted forms of critique.

Dismantle, Teach, Foster: A triadic approach to deconstruct, co-imagine, and build inclusive classrooms.

DTF is about decolonial trans futurities.

It envisions a world that is not only inclusive of trans individuals, particularly trans-BIPOC, but also fundamentally challenges and seeks to dismantle the colonial, racist, and cis-heteronormative frameworks that have historically oppressed these communities. This expansive vision encompasses advocacy, liberation, well-being, transformative action, political resistance, innovative critique, and inclusive education as integral components of a decolonized, just, and equitable future.

So, are you DTF or not?

*For readings on faggotology, see Carlos Decena (2022) "Circuits of the Sacred," Duke University Press.