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claysafreakingcommie · 28 days ago

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Hello, I have a question as a fellow radfem!^^

I’ve been struggling to find the right people to talk to about this, since most of the radfem spaces I’m in are strictly trans exclusionary and I worry that asking questions like this might get me pushed out. I haven’t really shared my views on trans people yet, which is probably why I’m still welcome in those spaces.

As a gender abolitionist (which I am), it makes sense to oppose the concept of transgenderism, since the term itself is rooted in gender. And if we believe gender is a social hierarchy that needs to be abolished, then yes, I get why many radfems are critical of transgender ideology.

But what about transsexuals? That’s where I feel conflicted.

While I fully understand that biological sex is immutable, chromosomes can’t be changed. But I still believe transsexuality is valid in its own right. Not as a mental illness, but as a legitimate and personal experience that some people go through.

I’ve used the label trans-exclusionary radical feminist before because I do believe biological women should have their own spaces and I don’t think trans women should compete in women’s sports. But at the same time, I feel uncomfortable with how quick TERFs are to dismiss TIRFs or even people like me who just want to ask questions. They’re often called libfems or even misogynists, which feels overly hostile.

So my question is, why do trans exclusionary radical feminists think the way they do? And why is there such a strong rejection of nuance, especially when it comes to transsexuals?

This is actually such an interesting question and discussion to have. I think there is a problem within the radfem community which leads to the immediate rejection of opposing opinion on the topic of transgenderism (which is a valid defense response, but frustrating nonetheless). This is—like you said—a rejection of nuance, as I find this matter quite complicated.

I am a generally open minded person, and I find that it is incredibly important to review any and all perspectives on a matter before coming to a conclusion.

It is something I empathize with heavily; I think that most women turn to TERFism not out of fear of trans people, but out of a fear of men. So therefore, I have heard out countless arguments and reasonings from the perspectives of TERFs, and they are entirely logical. I believe, though, empathy is often just as necessary.

I believe that rather than criticizing transgender individuals themselves, we need to investigate the underlying systems that make it so prevalent. Of course, I am a gender abolitionist, and therefore reject the idea of gender as a concept—but its status as a construct does not deny its prevalence in society. Of course our perceptions of gender are based of preconceived ideas, notions, and stereotypes—but, who are the perpetuators of such notions? It is society itself, the patriarchy, and the everyday people who choose to adhere, so there is this; transgender people are not the enforcers of this harmful system (how could they be, given the rarity of this condition?)—they are simply participants, even victims of it, just as we are (albeit, in different forms—trans women who pass can be affected by misogyny—but it is not the same.)

Now, of course the experience of a female is much different than that of a trans woman, that much should go without saying. I notice that, in queer spaces especially, there is a push to blur the lines of and intrude upon womens’ spaces, along with the terms and labels they might use—it’s very complicated. But again, this push is societal; it is not necessarily due entirely to trans women or trans people.

I think the reason why womens’ spaces are so often intruded upon is just that misogyny is a seemingly universal language, and we have been so frequently silenced and denied things like community. So this is just another surge of it, another manifestation, where identity politics meet liberal inclusionism and idealism.

Also, I am someone who recognizes deeply the effects of intersectionality and the way it interacts with oppression. The nuance of intersectionality is important and necessary in any feminist analysis, so, like I said, the effects of misogyny may absolutely impact the trans community (trans women for passing as such, and trans men for their anatomies), however, again, it is frustrating to see biological women denied access to exclusive spaces and communities and shunned for desiring such.

Femaleness is the basis of misogyny. So yes, the misogyny we experience is unique and particularly oppressive. Yes, it comprises of the ways we are oppressed for presenting as such, but it also subjugates us based on our anatomies and our socialization. It is so strange for me to see people online compare this to the experience of trans women and conflate them as one and the same—they aren’t.

I will say this: I am not transgender, and therefore am not familiar with any such experience. What I hate most is the demonization and erasure of certain experiences that are only due to a lack of understanding. I don’t entirely understand this experience, but I can still empathize with it. Many are kind and misunderstood, but they are absolutely all human. We don’t live, yet, in a world where gender is an afterthought, or where we must not struggle to compartmentalize ourselves into ideas of what we should be. but because that world does not exist yet, there remains a population of people who long for an identity that they cannot have. I, too, know this feeling in other contexts.

Cisgender people embrace gender every day; and yes, as do trans people. This is a manifestation of the negative effects of gender on society. I wish for a world where people don’t need sex changes to feel security, but we create a society in which conforming to these expectations is commonplace.

So while I am firm in my stance that trans people deserve respect, I also loathe the demonization of women who hold reservations toward them due to safety. As I have stated, a fear of men is rational and something that has been instilled into women for generations, and it enrages me to see women shamed for displaying this. In our society, maleness leads to violence. I am generally withdrawn from the idea of bio-essentialism and believe this is due to a socialization as men—which is held by many trans women. Do not let people tell you when it is socially acceptable to protect and separate yourself. I also believe strongly that females are entitled to our own spaces, and the distinction between biological women and trans women needs to be recognized when discussing feminism because again, when these lines are blurred and conflated, misogyny is present.

So, a summary, because my thoughts are all over the place: don’t be the people who hate what they don’t understand—respect is owed to everyone, (gasp) even trans people. Misogyny impacts bio women first and primarily… by definition. We are the focus of it. The erasure of female spaces and labels is a form of misogyny. Gender affirming care shouldn’t be life saving care, but it is, for now. And that’s okay—we want to keep people alive. This is why I say I am neither TERF nor TIRF, my thoughts are nuanced, scattered, and I still have more thinking to do.

The bottom line is: transgenderism exists because we allow a society of binary. Stop demonizing the people who fall under the category, and instead the institutions that uphold it. However it is important to separate the fundamental ideas of female experience and transgender experience; they may interact, but they don’t overlap. Feminism is, at its core, female.

Okay, final thought before I wrap this up, because I feel like I’m rephrasing the same information. My fatal flaw is my empathy, but I think it’s more of a gift than an issue. I have empathy for practically everyone, and I acknowledge trans people. I respect them and their experiences which make visible the way that the patriarchy hurts everyone—but my feminism will always be female.

If you agree or disagree, tell me your thoughts. I love discussing new perspectives, especially regarding feminism. Plus, it’s so much more classy to respond with your opinion in a nuanced way, as opposed to leaving mean names in my inbox. That’s lame.

—Also, on the topic of autogynephilia—obviously disgusting. But if you spend time in the most perverted corners of the internet, you’ll see the most perverted and depraved people, too. Still, assuming that all trans women are autogynephiles is not a valid generalization to make. Gullible is written on the ceiling. Still though, fuck kink!

#intersectional feminism #radical feminists please touch #radical misandrist #gc feminism #gender critical feminism #pro misandry #radblr #radical feminism #proud misandrist #radical feminists please interact #tirfblr #tirf #radical feminst #radical feminists do touch #terfblr #radical feminist community #radical feminist safe #radical feminists do interact

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claysafreakingcommie · 3 months ago

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I find it so telling and yet so disheartening that many feminists and left leaning women overwrite their arguments and end in the same place they started—neutrality—when they refuse to surrender their man-worshipping tendencies. It seems that many women are eager to fall to their knees at the feet of men who even slightly recognize their causes—i.e, ‘Look, this hot actor posted something vaguely feminist on his story; what a guy!’

This is of course due in part to fangirl culture—and the way it interacts with and centers itself around the patriarchy—but is effective even in real life (again, even in women who claim resistance). Consequently, we have men online joking about being into ‘feminist literature’ because they see it only as a means to attract females, rather than something they could ever benefit or learn from.

But, the point is this: (most) women seek out and long for romantic connection. Contrarily, men have a long, extensive history of denying women just that—meaningful, respectful love which provides complete consideration for the other. So while aggrivating, this phenomenon should be completely anticipated. And yes, we should hold women accountable for it and their strange inclination toward any man who displays even the most minute of concerns for her—all the while, acknowledging where it comes from. I mention this because it’s something I’ve thought about lately.

I think it is important to note that this pedestalization of men for being feminists (or claiming to be) is ineffectual, for it is so often performative and insincere. This may seem obvious, and it is, but it is much more difficult to catch in practice. We also must remember that as women, our movement is only our own; do not let men take the forefront.

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