A first anthropological study of identity dynamics in Flemish deaf role models illuminates the emancipation process of the Flemish deaf community. Since deaf empowerment in the Flemish context is intimately tied to transnational contact and the globalization of empowering discourses, trends in and parallels with identity dynamics in northwestern Europe are explored. In this literature review a three-stages model of emancipation comes to the fore. The situation of the Flemish case into this model provides insight into the phenomenon of deaf people’s awakening: the politicization of deaf identities that is currently going on in western deaf communities. Trends of emancipation are intimately tied to changes in policy. A broader use of sign language in realms of family, education, employment and larger society is needed for the Flemish deaf community to move into the next stage. The study also throws a light on the visual exchange of deaf emancipatory knowledge, which can be perceived as a deaf way of education, and on collective and transnational practices of citizenship. In working towards a broader use of sign language in Flanders, a dialogue and the involvement of the deaf community in decision is needed. Deaf experiences and ways of knowing and learning should be taken into account.