CW // rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, transphobia.

Why trans exclusive feminism is flawed, from the perspective of a survivor of sexual and physical violence at the hands of cis men: a thread.

#trans #terf #TransPeopleAreRealPeople #feminism #JKRowling

I have experienced violent domestic abuse. I have experienced psychological domestic abuse. I have experienced sexual assault w/in relationships, and outside of them. All of my abusers were cis men.

I would never use any of this to justify transphobia.

I know that the specific abuse I suffered couldn’t have happened if I didn’t have a vagina, breasts and the (presumed) ability to become pregnant.

I acknowledge the role of my anatomy in my abuse.

I would never use that to justify transphobia.

Yes, women have a unique experience. Women have unique trauma. We have disproportionate cases of violence against us.

But the idea of biological sex is flawed. Ppl of ‘either’ sex may/ may not form breast tissue. People may have single genitalia, mixed or none at all.

‘Either’ sex may have incomplete genitalia. Variations in internal and external genitalia. Some wombs can’t menstruate. Some wombs can’t carry a foetus.

Not to mention the variations in ‘sex determining’ hormones and chromosomes. It is not binary. It scientifically just isn’t.

I understand the need for safe spaces for women. Of course we need spaces to heal, recover and feel safe. I have needed those, I’m sure I’ll need them again.

But, how have some equated this need with the need to eradicate transwomen?

Transwomen aren’t our enemy.

Our enemy is a society that values ‘masculinity’. A society that allows masculinity to be synonymous with violence and domination.

Our fight is with those who don’t value women. Those who will rape, control, abuse, MURDER women.

You don’t get to decide who is a woman based on what they look like, what genitals they have, their hormonal or chromosomal make up. Because there are unlimited variations.

You don’t get to decide who is a woman based on your negative experiences with cismen.

Violence against women is real. The need for safe spaces is real.

Transwomen are real. Transwomen are valid.

These are not mutually exclusive.

No two injustices are the same, but one does not negate the other.

Transphobia is deadly.
Violence against women is deadly.