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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'').  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.
    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/>


    Since the statement contradicts the dictionary definition of the word "woman" (adult human female), it implies the desire for a different definition.  When prompted, transgender activists rarely attempt to provide such an alternative 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 is most accurately described as a dogma.
    Since the statement contradicts the dictionary definition of the word "woman" (adult human female), it implies the desire for a different definition.  When prompted, transgender activists rarely attempt to provide such an alternative 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 is most accurately described as a dogma.


    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, transwomen should be seen as part of the natural dating pool of lesbians, transwomen deserve to use all female facilities, enter female-only spaces and events, speak on women's rights as women, and so on.
    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 ===


    The idea that "trans women are women" is usually backed by a belief in an essential, inborn, and immutable "gender identity" that every person supposedly possesses.  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.
    The idea that "trans women are women" is usually backed by a belief in an essential, inborn, and immutable "gender identity" that every person supposedly possesses.<ref name=genderspectrum/> 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.


    Just like transgender activists refuse to provide an objective definition of womanhood, they tend to refuse defining gender identity on any objective terms.  Usually, when explaining how a person has discovered their gender identity, one hears references to sexist stereotypes ascribed to womanhood and manhood.  When confronted directly however, transgender activists refuse the notion that gender identity is based entirely on those stereotypes.  Since no objective measure exists at all, they are effectively forced to accept the claims of anyone and everyone regarding what their gender identity is.  Thus we see transwomen with full beards and intact male anatomy, who are said to be literally real women like any other.
    Just like transgender activists refuse to provide an objective definition of womanhood, they tend to refuse defining gender identity on any objective terms.  Usually, when explaining how a person has discovered their gender identity, one hears references to sexist stereotypes ascribed to womanhood and manhood.  When confronted directly however, transgender activists refuse the notion that gender identity is based entirely on those stereotypes.  Since no objective measure exists at all, they are effectively forced to accept the claims of anyone and everyone regarding what their gender identity is.  Thus we see transwomen with full beards and intact male anatomy, who are said to be literally real women like any other.


    Since gender identity is said to be inborn, it follows that some children are 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 a boy who says "I wish I was a girl" or "I'm actually a girl" is from that point on treated as a girl (given a female name, referred to by female pronouns, asked by 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.
    === 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.
     
    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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cantor James Cantor] also published a fact-check article criticizing the AAP's decision.<ref name=cantor/>
     
    Trans activists usually support giving [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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 10 years old.<ref name=transtrend/>


    === 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.  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 [[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.


    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.
    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.
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    === Collusion with "sex work" activism ===
    === Collusion with "sex work" activism ===


    For reasons not entirely clear, many if not most transgender activists also seem to support the "sex work" movement which tries to paint prostitution as harmless work and opposes measures to end women's sexual exploitation, such as by criminalizing the buying or procuring of sexual services.  Possible explanations for this collusion might be:
    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:


    * The over-arching ''queer ideology'' which is at the roots of both transgender ideology and absolutist sex liberalism, resting many of its ideals on ''transgression'' of social norms and morals, without regard to ethical concerns
    * Both movements stem from ''queer ideology'', which is based on ''transgression'' of social norms without regard to ethical concerns
    * The transgender movement being dominated by [[Autogynephilia|autogynephilic]] men who are interested in upholding a society in which women exist for male sexual pleasure
    * 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
    * 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
    Line 45: Line 51:
    * [[TERF]]
    * [[TERF]]


    == Recommended reading ==
    == References ==
     
    <references>
     
    <ref name=fc-hendley>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.feministcurrent.com/2019/04/10/i-supported-trans-ideology-until-i-couldnt-anymore/
    |title=I supported trans ideology until I couldn’t anymore
    |author=Alicia Hendley
    |date=April 10, 2019
    |website=Feminist Current
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=nytimes>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/01/opinion/trans-women-feminism.html
    |title=Who Counts as a Woman?
    |author=Carol Hay
    |date=April 1, 2019
    |website=The New York Times
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=stonewall>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.stonewall.org.uk/truth-about-trans
    |title=The truth about trans
    |website=Stonewall
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=businessinsider>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.businessinsider.de/what-critics-get-wrong-about-transgender-athletes-in-womens-sports-2019-4
    |title=The biggest thing critics continually get wrong about transgender athletes competing in women's sports
    |author=Alan Dawson
    |date=April 17, 2019
    |website=Business Insider
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=yardley>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://medium.com/@mirandayardley/girl-dick-the-cotton-ceiling-and-the-cultural-war-on-lesbians-and-women-c323b4789368
    |title=Girl Dick, the Cotton Ceiling and the Cultural War on Lesbians and Women
    |author=Miranda Yardley
    |date=December 9, 2018
    |website=Medium.com
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=genderspectrum>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.genderspectrum.org/quick-links/understanding-gender/
    |title=Understanding Gender
    |website=Gender Spectrum
    |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.
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=transtrend>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.transgendertrend.com/puberty-blockers/
    |title=Puberty blockers
    |website=Transgender Trend
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=nytimes-aap>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/15/well/family/helping-pediatricians-care-for-transgender-children.html
    |title=Helping Pediatricians Care for Transgender Children
    |author=Perri Klass
    |date=October 15, 2018
    |website=The New York Times
    }}
    </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 name=cissexism>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/03/everyday-cissexism/
    |title=3 Examples of Everyday Cissexism
    |author=Sian Ferguson
    |date=March 21, 2014
    |website=Everyday Feminism
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=transmisogyny>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/01/transmisogyny/
    |title=Transmisogyny 101: What It Is and What Can We Do About It
    |author=Laura Kacere
    |date=January 27, 2014
    |website=Everyday Feminism
    }}
    </ref>
     
    <ref name=fc-bindel>
    {{cite web
    |url=https://www.feministcurrent.com/2017/10/02/pact-trans-rights-advocates-sex-trade-lobby/
    |title=The pact between trans rights advocates and the sex trade lobby
    |author=Julie Bindel
    |date=October 2, 2017
    |website=Feminist Current
    }}
    </ref>


    * [https://www.feministcurrent.com/2019/04/10/i-supported-trans-ideology-until-i-couldnt-anymore/ I supported trans ideology until I couldn't anymore] by Alicia Hendley
    </references>
    * [https://www.peaktrans.org/transgender-ideology/ Transgender Ideology] on PeakTrans.org
    * [https://www.feministcurrent.com/2017/10/02/pact-trans-rights-advocates-sex-trade-lobby/ The pact between trans rights advocates and the sex trade lobby] by Julie Bindel

    Revision as of 21:50, 8 June 2019

    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. Feminists tend to use these terms critically when pointing out sexist, homophobic, or otherwise problematic aspects of the movement. Those who support the transgender movement tend to oppose the term transgender ideology, likening it to phrases such as homosexual agenda which is used to ascribe a sinister intent to gay/lesbian/bisexual rights activists.

    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.

    The term trans rights activist (shortened TRA) is sometimes used for its similarity to men's rights activist (shortened MRA). Just like so-called MRAs claim to support men's human rights but end up blaming everything on women and opposing feminism, TRAs claim to support transgender human rights but end up blaming everything on women and opposing feminism.

    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 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.[2][3]

    Since the statement contradicts the dictionary definition of the word "woman" (adult human female), it implies the desire for a different definition. When prompted, transgender activists rarely attempt to provide such an alternative 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 is most accurately described as a dogma.

    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,[4] transwomen should be seen as part of the natural dating pool of lesbians (see also cotton ceiling),[5] transwomen deserve to use all female facilities, enter female-only spaces and events, speak on women's rights as women, and so on.[3]

    Gender identity

    The idea that "trans women are women" is usually backed by a belief in an essential, inborn, and immutable "gender identity" that every person supposedly possesses.[6] 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.

    Just like transgender activists refuse to provide an objective definition of womanhood, they tend to refuse defining gender identity on any objective terms. Usually, when explaining how a person has discovered their gender identity, one hears references to sexist stereotypes ascribed to womanhood and manhood. When confronted directly however, transgender activists refuse the notion that gender identity is based entirely on those stereotypes. Since no objective measure exists at all, they are effectively forced to accept the claims of anyone and everyone regarding what their gender identity is. Thus we see transwomen with full beards and intact male anatomy, who are said to be literally real women like any other.

    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.

    The trans activist affirm-only approach has been supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics.[7] Parents concerned over this model of treatment published a long criticism and launched a petition reaching 1,200 signatures.[8] Psychologist James Cantor also published a fact-check article criticizing the AAP's decision.[9]

    Trans activists usually support giving puberty blocking medication such as Lupron to children who think they are transgender.[7] These children may be as young as 10 years old.[10]

    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.[11][12] 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.

    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.[13] Possible explanations for this collusion might be:

    • Both movements stem from queer ideology, which is based on transgression of social norms without regard to ethical concerns
    • The transgender movement being dominated by 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

    References

    1. Alicia Hendley (April 10, 2019). I supported trans ideology until I couldn’t anymore. Feminist Current.
    2. 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. Alan Dawson (April 17, 2019). The biggest thing critics continually get wrong about transgender athletes competing in women's sports. Business Insider.
    5. Miranda Yardley (December 9, 2018). Girl Dick, the Cotton Ceiling and the Cultural War on Lesbians and Women. Medium.com.
    6. 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."
    7. 7.0 7.1 Perri Klass (October 15, 2018). Helping Pediatricians Care for Transgender Children. The New York Times.
    8. Parents petition American Academy of Pediatrics in response to policy statement on trans-identified youth. 4thWaveNow. October 29, 2018.
    9. James Cantor (October 17, 2018). American Academy of Pediatrics policy and trans- kids: Fact-checking. Sexology Today!.
    10. Puberty blockers. Transgender Trend.
    11. Sian Ferguson (March 21, 2014). 3 Examples of Everyday Cissexism. Everyday Feminism.
    12. Laura Kacere (January 27, 2014). Transmisogyny 101: What It Is and What Can We Do About It. Everyday Feminism.
    13. Julie Bindel (October 2, 2017). The pact between trans rights advocates and the sex trade lobby. Feminist Current.