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=== 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 "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=twaw-nytimes/><ref name=twaw-stonewall/>


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.
This statement contradicts the definition of the word "woman" as seen in some dictionaries (i.e. adult human [[sex|female]]).  Many trans activists believe that a definition based on self-identification would be better.  This 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.
 
As the notion that "trans women are women" is meant literally, many problematic conclusions follow, especially considering that any intact male person can simply self-identify as a "trans woman" without needing to undergo any sort of medical transition.
 
==== Intact males in women's spaces ====
 
If male people who identify as women are literally women, it would follow that they should be allowed to use the same locker rooms, communal showers, and other such sex-segregated public facilities for women.  [[Helen Staniland]] summarizes this issue by posing the rhetorical question, "should male born people with a penis be free to enter and undress in communal changing rooms where women and girls are undressing?"  The question has been dubbed the Staniland Question.  Most trans activists refuse to provide a straight answer, as saying no would mean that they don't agree that self-identified "trans women" should be allowed in women's locker rooms, whereas saying yes reveals the very problem being demonstrated.
 
<gallery caption="Some trans activist men struggling with the Staniland Question" widths=300px heights=300px>
File:Nate-answering-staniland.png | Nate avoids giving a straight answer
File:Michael-answering-staniland.png | Michael says it's been happening for decades
File:Devon-answering-staniland.png | Devon, finally, gives a straight answer
</gallery>
 
The images above are from discussions in July 2021 that sparked after an incident in Wi Spa, L.A., in which a woman complained about a male person with a penis wandering around naked in the women's section of the nude spa.<ref name=wispa-4w/><ref name=wispa-wapo/><ref name=wispa-nypost/>  Without any actual evidence, trans activist groups cast widespread doubt on the event and managed to get mainstream and local media publications to report that the incident "might have been staged."<ref name=wispa-wapo/><ref name=wispa-advocate/><ref name=wispa-lablade/>  It's noteworthy that while some trans activists went the route of claiming that the incident must have been staged, others chose to openly defend the principle of an intact male using female-only spaces (see images above), hence rendering moot the question of whether the incident was or wasn't staged.
 
After the incident, another woman came forth about the same thing having happened to her in Wi Spa in 2018, and agreed to a detailed interview with journalist [[Anna Slatz]] about her experience.<ref name=wispa-4w/>
 
Some trans activists reacting to these stories went as far as saying that women were at fault for looking at the male person, that they are the real sexual aggressors for eyeing the male person in the female-only section, or making jokes about how the women must have been aroused by the man.
 
<gallery caption="Trans activists going all out with their victim-blaming" widths=300px heights=300px>
File:Sesmith-wispa.png | A person who writes for The Guardian and has a verified Twitter account says women are at fault for looking at the nude male in the women's section
File:Zinniajones-wispa.png | Zinnia Jones mocks the second woman who came forth about her experience in 2018
File:Nate-wispa.png | A verified account backs the logic put forth by a troll who implies that women are the real aggressors
</gallery>
 
==== Males in women's sports ====
 
''Main article: [[Transwomen in women's sports]]''
 
Another logical conclusion of "trans women are women" is that males who identify as women get to play in women's sports.  This idea is indeed widely supported by trans activists, and has been applied in many sports events, leading to male athletes at times massively overpowering female competitors and taking the first spot / gold medal.  See the above linked page for details on this topic.


=== Gender identity ===
=== Gender identity ===
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[[File:Womb-girl-boy-gender-discomfort2-768x432.jpg|thumb|right|Image used by GIRES to explain inborn gender identity and inevitable gender dysphoria]]
[[File:Womb-girl-boy-gender-discomfort2-768x432.jpg|thumb|right|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.<ref name=genderspectrum/><ref name=gires-inside-story/>  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.<ref name=youth-accepted-by-families/><ref name=medical-guide/>
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.<ref name=gender-id-genderspectrum/><ref name=gender-id-gires/>  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.<ref name=youth-accepted-by-families/><ref name=hrc-medical-guide/>


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.<ref name=hufpo-drummond/><ref name=vice-mtftop/>
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.<ref name=hufpo-drummond/><ref name=vice-mtftop/>
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=== Transgender children ===
=== 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 [[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/>
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=hrc-medical-guide/>


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/>
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=hrc-medical-guide/>


=== Cisgender people oppress transgender people ===
=== 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.<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/>
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=ef-cissexism/><ref name=ef-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=trans-homelessness/><ref name=youth-accepted-by-families/>


=== Supporting "sex work" activism ===
=== Supporting "sex work" activism ===
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|author=Alicia Hendley
|author=Alicia Hendley
|date=April 10, 2019
|date=April 10, 2019
|website=Feminist Current
|publisher=Feminist Current
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=nytimes>
<ref name=twaw-nytimes>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/opinion/trans-women-feminism.html
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/opinion/trans-women-feminism.html
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|author=Carol Hay
|author=Carol Hay
|date=April 1, 2019
|date=April 1, 2019
|website=The New York Times
|publisher=The New York Times
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=stonewall>
<ref name=twaw-stonewall>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.stonewall.org.uk/truth-about-trans
|url=https://www.stonewall.org.uk/truth-about-trans
|title=The truth about trans
|title=The truth about trans
|website=Stonewall
|publisher=Stonewall UK
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=businessinsider>
<ref name=wispa-4w>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.businessinsider.de/what-critics-get-wrong-about-transgender-athletes-in-womens-sports-2019-4
|url=https://4w.pub/exclusive-interview-with-wi-spa-mother/
|title=The biggest thing critics continually get wrong about transgender athletes competing in women's sports
|title=LAPD Officer Blamed a Mother for Exposing her Daughter to Male Genitals at Wi Spa
|author=Alan Dawson
|author=Anna Slatz
|date=April 17, 2019
|date=July 7, 2021
|website=Business Insider
|publisher=4W
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=yardley>
<ref name=wispa-wapo>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://medium.com/@mirandayardley/girl-dick-the-cotton-ceiling-and-the-cultural-war-on-lesbians-and-women-c323b4789368
|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/07/05/transgender-woman-los-angeles-spa/
|title=Girl Dick, the Cotton Ceiling and the Cultural War on Lesbians and Women
|title=A trans woman reportedly undressed in a spa. Customers said they were ‘traumatized,and a protest ensued.
|author=Miranda Yardley
|author=Caroline Anders
|date=December 9, 2018
|date=July 7, 2021
|website=Medium.com
|publisher=The Washington Post
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=genderspectrum>
<ref name=wispa-nypost>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.genderspectrum.org/quick-links/understanding-gender/
|url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/06/furor-over-trans-in-la-spa-proves-progressives-arent-really-feminists-after-all/
|title=Understanding Gender
|title=Furor over trans in LA spa proves progressives aren’t really feminists after all
|website=Gender Spectrum
|author=Bethany Mandel
|quote=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.
|date=July 6, 2021
|publisher=New York Post
}}
</ref>
 
<ref name=wispa-advocate>
{{cite web
|url=https://www.advocate.com/transgender/2021/7/09/was-trans-nudity-incident-los-angeles-spa-staged
|title=Was Trans Nudity Incident at Los Angeles Spa Staged?
|author=Trudy Ring
|date=July 9, 2021
|publisher=The Advocate
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=gires-inside-story>
<ref name=wispa-lablade>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.gires.org.uk/transsexualism-the-inside-story/
|url=https://nypost.com/2021/07/06/furor-over-trans-in-la-spa-proves-progressives-arent-really-feminists-after-all/
|title=Transsexualism: The Inside Story
|title=Alleged Trans incident at upscale LA Spa may have been staged
|website=gires.org.uk
|date=July 7, 2021
|publisher=GIRES
|publisher=Los Angeles Blade
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928030238/https://www.gires.org.uk/transsexualism-the-inside-story/
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=guardian-hrt>
<ref name=gender-id-genderspectrum>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/jul/11/transgender-nhs-doctor-prescribing-sex-hormones-children-uk
|url=https://www.genderspectrum.org/quick-links/understanding-gender/
|title=UK doctor prescribing cross-sex hormones to children as young as 12
|title=Understanding Gender
|author=Kate Lyons
|publisher=Gender Spectrum
|date=July 11, 2016
|quote=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.
|website=The Guardian
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=transtrend>
<ref name=gender-id-gires>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.transgendertrend.com/puberty-blockers/
|url=https://www.gires.org.uk/transsexualism-the-inside-story/
|title=Puberty blockers
|title=Transsexualism: The Inside Story
|website=Transgender Trend
|publisher=Gender Identity Research & Education Society
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928030238/https://www.gires.org.uk/transsexualism-the-inside-story/
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=medical-guide>
<ref name=hrc-medical-guide>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/supporting-caring-for-transgender-children
|url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/supporting-caring-for-transgender-children
|title=Supporting and Caring for Transgender Children
|title=Supporting and Caring for Transgender Children
|date=September 2016
|date=September 2016
|author=Human Rights Campaign Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP)
 
|publisher=Human Rights Campaign
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|date=July 25, 2015
|date=July 25, 2015
|author=James Michael Nichols
|author=James Michael Nichols
|publisher=Huffington Post
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|date=January 29, 2019
|date=January 29, 2019
|author=Sessi Kuwabara Blanchard
|author=Sessi Kuwabara Blanchard
|publisher=Vice
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
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|author=Perri Klass
|author=Perri Klass
|date=October 15, 2018
|date=October 15, 2018
|website=The New York Times
|publisher=The New York Times
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=homeless>
<ref name=trans-homelessness>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://endhomelessness.org/resource/transgender-homeless-adults-unsheltered-homelessness-what-the-data-tell-us/
|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
|title=Transgender Homeless Adults & Unsheltered Homelessness: What the Data Tell Us
|date=July 24, 2020
|date=July 24, 2020
|website=National Alliance to End Homelessness
|publisher=National Alliance to End Homelessness
}}
</ref>
 
<ref name=4thwave>
{{cite web
|url=https://4thwavenow.com/2018/10/29/parents-petition-american-academy-of-pediatrics-in-response-to-policy-statement-on-trans-identified-youth/
|title=Parents petition American Academy of Pediatrics in response to policy statement on trans-identified youth
|date=October 29, 2018
|website=4thWaveNow
}}
</ref>
 
<ref name=cantor>
{{cite web
|url=http://www.sexologytoday.org/2018/10/american-academy-of-pediatrics-policy.html
|title=American Academy of Pediatrics policy and trans- kids: Fact-checking
|author=James Cantor
|date=October 17, 2018
|website=Sexology Today!
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=cissexism>
<ref name=ef-cissexism>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/03/everyday-cissexism/
|url=https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/03/everyday-cissexism/
Line 213: Line 237:
|author=Sian Ferguson
|author=Sian Ferguson
|date=March 21, 2014
|date=March 21, 2014
|website=Everyday Feminism
|publisher=Everyday Feminism
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>


<ref name=transmisogyny>
<ref name=ef-transmisogyny>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url=https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/01/transmisogyny/
|url=https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/01/transmisogyny/
Line 223: Line 247:
|author=Laura Kacere
|author=Laura Kacere
|date=January 27, 2014
|date=January 27, 2014
|website=Everyday Feminism
|publisher=Everyday Feminism
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
Line 233: Line 257:
|author=Julie Bindel
|author=Julie Bindel
|date=October 2, 2017
|date=October 2, 2017
|website=Feminist Current
|publisher=Feminist Current
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>