Transgender ideology: Difference between revisions

From FeministWiki
(Deleted statements without citations and added information regarding transgender ideology)
(I deleted and edited sections for their lack of clarity and possible straw man positions. The "possible explanations" has no citations and did not seem to be anything more than guesses on the part of the author. The section pertaining to how "trans women are women" is problematic did not actually what the problems were (it also claimed trans activists hold the position that lesbians have to date trans women, which most do not hold). The "transgender children" article made false claims as well.)
Line 11: Line 11:
=== Trans women are women ===
=== Trans women are women ===


One of the core dogmata of the transgender movement is the statement that '''trans women are women''' (and the less often repeated ''trans men are men'').<ref name=fc-hendley/>  Under this view it's important to write ''trans woman'' as two words (adjective and noun) and not ''transwoman'', to stress the fact that so-called trans women are literally a subtype of women, just like white women, black women, short women, tall women, and so on.  The statement "trans women are women" is not meant as a vague slogan of moral support, but in a literal sense.<ref name=nytimes/><ref name=stonewall/>
One of the core dogmata of the transgender movement is the statement that '''trans women are women''' (and the less often repeated ''trans men are men'').<ref name=fc-hendley/>  Under this view it's important to write ''trans woman'' as two words (adjective and noun) and not ''transwoman'', to stress the fact that "trans women" are literally a subtype of women, just like white women, black women, short women, tall women, and so on.  The statement "trans women are women" is not meant as a vague slogan of moral support, but in a literal sense.<ref name=nytimes/><ref name=stonewall/>


Since the statement contradicts the dictionary definition of the word "woman" (adult human [[sex|female]]), it implies that a different definition would be better.  When asked about this, transgender activists usually avoid providing an actual definition.  Most attempts tend to revolve around a circular definition, such as "anyone who identifies as a woman, is a woman."  As such, the statement "trans women are women" is probably best described as a dogma.
This statement contradicts the definition of the word "woman" as seen in some dictionaries. (adult human [[sex|female]]).  Many trans activists believe that a definition based on self-identification would be better.  This tend includes the circular definition, "anyone who identifies as a woman, is a woman."  As such, the statement "trans women are women" is probably best described as a dogmatic position.
 
The idea that transwomen are literally women is taken as the basis for many problematic conclusions, such as: transwomen deserve to partake in women's sports,<ref name=businessinsider/> transwomen should be seen as part of the natural dating pool of lesbians (see also [[cotton ceiling]]),<ref name=yardley/> transwomen deserve to use all female facilities, enter female-only spaces and events, speak on women's rights as women, and so on.<ref name=stonewall/>


=== Gender identity ===
=== Gender identity ===
Line 27: Line 25:
=== Transgender children ===
=== Transgender children ===


Since gender identity is said to be inborn, it follows that some children would be transgender, and only need to find this out.  Once it's found out, the only way forward is to support the child in its transgender identification.  This leads to the transgender activist "affirm-only" approach towards youth, where for instance a boy who says "I wish I was a girl" or "I'm actually a girl" is from that point on treated as if the child is literally a girl.  (Given a female name, referred to by female pronouns, asked to be considered a girl by others, and so on.)  Likewise for girls who express that they wish they were a boy, or claim that they are internally a boy.  Trans activists are opposed to the alternative "watchful waiting" approach.
Since gender identity is said to be inborn, it follows that some children would be transgender.  Once they show signs of such, medical consensus is to support the child in whatever identity they hold and allow them to freely express themselves.  Doctors and trans activists also generally support [[Wikipedia:Puberty blocker|puberty blocking]] medication such as Lupron to children who think they are transgender.<ref name=nytimes-aap/>  This prevents them from experiencing puberty that may result in dysphoria later in life and allows them to decide what body is right for them as they grow older.<ref name=medical-guide/>
 
The trans activist affirm-only approach has been supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics.<ref name=nytimes-aap/>  Parents concerned over this model of treatment published a long criticism and launched a petition reaching 1,200 signatures.<ref name=4thwave/>  Psychologist [[Wikipedia:James Cantor|James Cantor]] also published a fact-check article criticizing the AAP's decision.<ref name=cantor/>


Trans activists usually support giving [[Wikipedia:Puberty blocker|puberty blocking]] medication such as Lupron to children who think they are transgender.<ref name=nytimes-aap/> These children may be as young as 9 years old, and may be prescribed cross-sex hormones at ages as young as 12.<ref name=guardian-hrt/><ref name=transtrend/>
Some who oppose these medications argue that there are high rates of children who realize they are transgender too late.  The studies cited usually include irrelevant statistics regarding children who were deemed unlikely to be trans by their doctors.  According to a medical guide published by the Human Rights Campaign, the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics: "It is clear that many children who are gender-expansive or have mild gender dysphoria do not grow up to be transgender — but these are not the children for whom competent clinicians recommend gender transition."<ref name=medical-guide/>


=== Cisgender people oppress transgender people ===
=== Cisgender people oppress transgender people ===


Another core tenet of transgender ideology is the notion that [[cisgender]] people oppress transgender people, just like how men oppress women, white Americans oppress black Americans, or how straight people oppress gay men and lesbian women.<ref name=cissexism/><ref name=transmisogyny/> As such, when a man identifies as a transwoman, his position relative to that of a woman turns from being her oppressor to someone who is oppressed by her.  His male privilege is denied as he is now considered a woman, and the fact that he is a ''transgender'' woman means that he is oppressed by so-called ''cisgender'' women.  Further, being both a woman and transgender means he is considered to suffer under two axes of oppression, akin to how black women suffer both from racism and sexism.  This way, a white man suddenly becomes comparable to a black woman with regards to oppressive power dynamics in society.
Another core tenet of transgender ideology is the notion that many [[cisgender]] people oppress transgender people, just like how men oppress women, white Americans oppress black Americans, or how straight people oppress gay men and lesbian women.<ref name=cissexism/><ref name=transmisogyny/> Trans activists often cite high rates of homelessness, trans minors being disowned by their parents, and suicide rates correlating to societal treatment in their claims of trans people being oppressed.<ref name=homeless><ref name=youth-accepted-by-families/>
 
As per the principle of ''intersectionality'' (appropriated from [[black feminism]]), transgender activists often say that the feminist movement should not only include transwomen's concerns, but outright center them in many discussions, as otherwise the feminist movement might fail to sufficiently address their concerns.
 
=== Collusion with "sex work" activism ===


For reasons not entirely clear, many if not most transgender activists also seem to support the "sex work" movement.<ref name=fc-bindel/>  Possible explanations for this collusion might be:
=== Supporting "sex work" activism ===


* Both movements stem from ''queer ideology'', which is based on ''transgression'' of social norms without regard to ethical concerns
For reasons not entirely clear, many if not most transgender activists also seem to support the "sex work" movement.<ref name=fc-bindel/>
* The transgender movement being dominated by [[Autogynephilia|autogynephilic]] men who are interested in upholding a society in which women exist for male sexual pleasure
* Anti-feminists supporting both the transgender movement and the "sex work" movement, simply because they see both of them as weapons against women's liberation


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 186: Line 176:
|date=October 15, 2018
|date=October 15, 2018
|website=The New York Times
|website=The New York Times
}}
</ref>
<ref name=homeless>
{{cite web
|url=https://endhomelessness.org/resource/transgender-homeless-adults-unsheltered-homelessness-what-the-data-tell-us/
|title=Transgender Homeless Adults & Unsheltered Homelessness: What the Data Tell Us
|date=July 24, 2020
|website=National Alliance to End Homelessness
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>

Revision as of 19:27, 17 February 2021

Transgender ideology is a loose catch-all term referring to philosophies, world views, and dogmatic statements adhered to by political activists who see themselves as trying to uphold the human rights of transgender people. The political movement of furthering these ideologies is called the transgender movement.

The practice of supporting transgender ideology is called transgender activism (often shortened trans activism) and a person who follows this practice is called a transgender activist (often shortened trans activist). The word "transgender" in the phrase "transgender activist" is not to be understood as an adjective for the person in question (i.e. "an activist who happens to be transgender") but as a reference to the activism they practice (i.e. "an activist supporting transgender ideology"). Many trans activists are not transgender themselves.

Feminists tend to use the term transgender ideology with a critical tone when pointing out sexist, homophobic, or otherwise problematic aspects of the transgender movement. Those who support the movement tend to oppose the term, likening it to the phrase homosexual agenda, which is used to ascribe sinister intent to gay/lesbian/bisexual rights activists. Indeed, right-wing and Christian organizations heavily use the term transgender ideology in their publications critical of the movement, however their reasons for opposing it tend to be radically different than those of feminists.

Aspects

Trans women are women

One of the core dogmata of the transgender movement is the statement that trans women are women (and the less often repeated trans men are men).[1] Under this view it's important to write trans woman as two words (adjective and noun) and not transwoman, to stress the fact that "trans women" are literally a subtype of women, just like white women, black women, short women, tall women, and so on. The statement "trans women are women" is not meant as a vague slogan of moral support, but in a literal sense.[2][3]

This statement contradicts the definition of the word "woman" as seen in some dictionaries. (adult human female). Many trans activists believe that a definition based on self-identification would be better. This tend includes the circular definition, "anyone who identifies as a woman, is a woman." As such, the statement "trans women are women" is probably best described as a dogmatic position.

Gender identity

Image used by GIRES to explain inborn gender identity and inevitable gender dysphoria

The idea that "trans women are women" is usually backed by several philosophical viewpoints. Some hold a belief in an essential, inborn, and immutable "gender identity" that every person possesses.[4][5] Transwomen are said to be real women on the grounds that they possess a "female gender identity" which they are said to share with women. Likewise for transmen and a male gender identity that is supposedly shared by all men. Others believe that all words are social constructs that lack objective definitions. Nevertheless, they argue the terms "man" and "woman" hold a particularly meaningful role with regards to individuals' identities. In the absence of an inherently true definition to protect, they support basing gender in self-identification, which has a substantial benefit on transgender mental health.[6][7]

The conclusion to such philosophical ideas is that biological sex characteristics do not factor into womanhood and manhood. For example, a few transwomen have full beards and intact male anatomy, and many trans activists claim they are literally real women like any other.[8][9]

Transgender children

Since gender identity is said to be inborn, it follows that some children would be transgender. Once they show signs of such, medical consensus is to support the child in whatever identity they hold and allow them to freely express themselves. Doctors and trans activists also generally support puberty blocking medication such as Lupron to children who think they are transgender.[10] This prevents them from experiencing puberty that may result in dysphoria later in life and allows them to decide what body is right for them as they grow older.[7]

Some who oppose these medications argue that there are high rates of children who realize they are transgender too late. The studies cited usually include irrelevant statistics regarding children who were deemed unlikely to be trans by their doctors. According to a medical guide published by the Human Rights Campaign, the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics: "It is clear that many children who are gender-expansive or have mild gender dysphoria do not grow up to be transgender — but these are not the children for whom competent clinicians recommend gender transition."[7]

Cisgender people oppress transgender people

Another core tenet of transgender ideology is the notion that many cisgender people oppress transgender people, just like how men oppress women, white Americans oppress black Americans, or how straight people oppress gay men and lesbian women.[11][12] Trans activists often cite high rates of homelessness, trans minors being disowned by their parents, and suicide rates correlating to societal treatment in their claims of trans people being oppressed.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

[2]

[3]

[13]

[14]

[4]

[5]

[15]

[16]

[7]

[6]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[11]

[12]

[20]

</references>

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named fc-hendley
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Carol Hay (April 1, 2019). Who Counts as a Woman?. The New York Times.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The truth about trans. Stonewall.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Understanding Gender. Gender Spectrum. "According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “By age four, most children have a stable sense of their gender identity.” This core aspect of one’s identity comes from within each of us. Gender identity is an inherent aspect of a person’s make-up. Individuals do not choose their gender, nor can they be made to change it."
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Transsexualism: The Inside Story. gires.org.uk. GIRES. Archived
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Augustus Klein and Sarit A. Golub (May 25, 2016). Family Rejection as a Predictor of Suicide Attempts and Substance Misuse Among Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Adults.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Human Rights Campaign Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP) (September 2016). Supporting and Caring for Transgender Children.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 James Michael Nichols (July 25, 2015). This Incredible Trans Woman Is Challenging The Way We Think About Gender.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Sessi Kuwabara Blanchard (January 29, 2019). The Ins and Outs of Topping as a Trans Girl.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Perri Klass (October 15, 2018). Helping Pediatricians Care for Transgender Children. The New York Times.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Sian Ferguson (March 21, 2014). 3 Examples of Everyday Cissexism. Everyday Feminism.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Laura Kacere (January 27, 2014). Transmisogyny 101: What It Is and What Can We Do About It. Everyday Feminism.
  13. ↑ Alan Dawson (April 17, 2019). The biggest thing critics continually get wrong about transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Business Insider.
  14. ↑ Miranda Yardley (December 9, 2018). Girl Dick, the Cotton Ceiling and the Cultural War on Lesbians and Women. Medium.com.
  15. ↑ Kate Lyons (July 11, 2016). UK doctor prescribing cross-sex hormones to children as young as 12. The Guardian.
  16. ↑ Puberty blockers. Transgender Trend.
  17. ↑ Transgender Homeless Adults & Unsheltered Homelessness: What the Data Tell Us. National Alliance to End Homelessness. July 24, 2020.
  18. ↑ Parents petition American Academy of Pediatrics in response to policy statement on trans-identified youth. 4thWaveNow. October 29, 2018.
  19. ↑ James Cantor (October 17, 2018). American Academy of Pediatrics policy and trans- kids: Fact-checking. Sexology Today!.
  20. ↑ Julie Bindel (October 2, 2017). The pact between trans rights advocates and the sex trade lobby. Feminist Current.
Retrieved from "https://feministwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Transgender_ideology&oldid=1019"