What is transgender studies, why is it important, and how can it redefine our worldview? This talk debates the place of trans theory in both academia and activism, in a moment when our society’s views on gender and identity politics are rapidly shifting. By demonstrating how trans lives are lived in between conflicting conversations, transgender studies can bring experience, embodiment, and knowledge together to challenge our epistemologies. Levi Hord is a gender theorist, spoken word artist, and 2018 Rhodes Scholar-Elect committed to radically challenging the very systems through which we define identity. Combining academic engagement with community advocacy, Levi works to illuminate moments where both theory and creativity can help move communities and discussions forward. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx