Feminism and Trans-Women
So I was reading on ONTD about what Chimamanda Adichie said on the subject of trans-women and it really got me thinking. I'm no expert on trans rights and my opinion doesn't count for much considering I'm a cis-woman but I do know that trans-women are significantly more likely to be victims of violent crime or being murdered simply because of who they are. I think that many feminists, including myself, need to educate themselves on the challenges trans-women face in daily life and address this in our conversations. I understand and feel that there is partial truth in SOME of what Chimamanda said. i.e. that trans-women have a different experience from cis-women because they were born in a position of privilege (as a cis-boy) and so have, probably unknowingly, benefited for the patriarchy.
Our conclusions, however, are very different. Chimamanda says that 'cis-women are women and trans-women are trans-women'. I disagree. Both cis-women and trans-women are women. Yes, they have vastly different experiences but so does each individual cis-woman, and we still refer to them as women.
I am definitely going to make a greater effort to read about trans issues because I consider myself to be (or am trying to be) an intersectional feminist. I want equality for ALL people - regardless of gender (cis/trans), race or sexual orientation.
Our conclusions, however, are very different. Chimamanda says that 'cis-women are women and trans-women are trans-women'. I disagree. Both cis-women and trans-women are women. Yes, they have vastly different experiences but so does each individual cis-woman, and we still refer to them as women.
I am definitely going to make a greater effort to read about trans issues because I consider myself to be (or am trying to be) an intersectional feminist. I want equality for ALL people - regardless of gender (cis/trans), race or sexual orientation.