So I learned a thing this week from an online conversation.
TW - Transphobia
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There was a post about TERFs (which I had to google: Transphobic Exclusionary Radical Feminist) and apparently it's considered a slur? But the actual PRACTICE is what I find offensive (The assertion that the only "women" are female born women).
TW - Transphobia
...
...
There was a post about TERFs (which I had to google: Transphobic Exclusionary Radical Feminist) and apparently it's considered a slur? But the actual PRACTICE is what I find offensive (The assertion that the only "women" are female born women).
Now, I'm a feminist...and I recognize the Patriarchy...but...
There are a lot of women who feel that trans women create another opportunity for misogyny, by getting all the attention they do and special treatment etc...(because of like 3 celebrities). Since female-born women grow up in this culture, or whichever culture, and the journey comes with pitfalls as we all know...they resent that these "new" women get to just join the club. Also there is penis phobia obviously...and talk of safe spaces for survivors... Lots to unpack and valid concerns for survivors from a PTSD place...but still..not okay to deny someone's identity.
There are a lot of women who feel that trans women create another opportunity for misogyny, by getting all the attention they do and special treatment etc...(because of like 3 celebrities). Since female-born women grow up in this culture, or whichever culture, and the journey comes with pitfalls as we all know...they resent that these "new" women get to just join the club. Also there is penis phobia obviously...and talk of safe spaces for survivors... Lots to unpack and valid concerns for survivors from a PTSD place...but still..not okay to deny someone's identity.
So It occurred to me that Trans women are refugees.
Female born women, biological women...we are the "citizens" of womanhood...born and raised here. Our Trans sisters are refugees from the war-torn nation of forced Manhood, trying to cross the border safely, and all I can think to say is "you are safe with me. I'll do what I can". It's really that simple.
Female born women, biological women...we are the "citizens" of womanhood...born and raised here. Our Trans sisters are refugees from the war-torn nation of forced Manhood, trying to cross the border safely, and all I can think to say is "you are safe with me. I'll do what I can". It's really that simple.
I am not trans, but there are some amazing individuals in my life right now who are, and I could not imagine rejecting them or doing anything other than supporting them, because as women with lots of experience being women, we know...this isn't for the weak or trendy. This shit is hard core. If someone needs THIS and is ready to walk the world in these shoes? High fives all around.
I got your back.
We MUST recognize and educate about intersectionality. We MUST discuss and open our ears to the multi-dimensional experiences women have from every angle; Women of color, single mothers, survivors, women in disability, women with chronic mental and/or physical illness, women in poverty, LGBTQ women & trans specifically, and the women who intersect any or ALL of these and really truly NEED support in the world we live in. If we don't stand up for one another then we stand alone. I refuse to allow #metoo to become #ME. We are all connected. These issues are all connected.
Misogyny runs so deep we sometimes mistake it for our own sweat as it drips down our forehead, but it can be washed away if we just dive into the water together, and stop trying to fight over the damn floaty.
Women can be defined a multitude of ways, and always have been. Allowing ONE definition to dominate is actually a product of the patriarchy. We know this. Ancient cultures show us this. Nature teaches us this. We need to stop thinking so much and just listen. Just hear people when they say "I just want to be who I am and live on this Earth and be respected" and say "Okay, How can I help?".
