trans safe feminism - improving access to feminist spaces for transgender people cisgender,...
DESCRIPTION
Trans safe feminism - improving access to feminist spaces for transgender peopleTRANSCRIPT
IMPROVING ACCESS FOR TRANS PEOPLE
What is “trans safe feminism”?
What is “trans safe feminism”?
Not just about “including” trans people
What is “trans safe feminism”?
Not just about “including” trans people Reflecting on our choices when we set up
a space
What is “trans safe feminism”?
Not just about “including” trans people Reflecting on our choices when we set up
a space Reflecting on language we use
What is “trans safe feminism”?
Not just about “including” trans people Reflecting on our choices when we set up
a space Reflecting on language we use Reflecting on assumptions made
What is “trans safe feminism”?
Not just about “including” trans people Reflecting on our choices when we set up
a space Reflecting on language we use Reflecting on assumptions made Challenging hierarchies – who gets to
speak for whom?
What is “trans safe feminism”?
Not just about “including” trans people Reflecting on our choices when we set up
a space Reflecting on language we use Reflecting on assumptions made Challenging hierarchies – who gets to
speak for whom? Consultation, education and listening to
marginalised voices
It’s all about access
It’s all about accessThis should be part of any process of forming a group, action, publication, conference or meeting: to consider the impact on and needs of minority groups
It’s all about accessThis should be part of any process of forming a group, action, publication, conference or meeting: to consider the impact on and needs of minority groups People of colour Disabled People Transgender People Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay People Neurodivergent People People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds Etc . . .
Some thoughts
Is nominal inclusivity enough if trans women don’t attend?
Some thoughts
Is nominal inclusivity enough if trans women don’t attend?
Are we ignoring the needs of trans men, non-binary and intersex people when we define spaces?
Some thoughts
Is nominal inclusivity enough if trans women don’t attend?
Are we ignoring the needs of trans men, non-binary and intersex people when we define spaces?
Do we stop to consider what might be the access barriers for trans people?
Some thoughts
Is nominal inclusivity enough if trans women don’t attend?
Are we ignoring the needs of trans men, non-binary and intersex people when we define spaces?
Do we stop to consider what might be the access barriers for trans people?
Do we put trans people outside of our “circle of concern”?
Some thoughts
Some observations
We don’t hear transfeminist voices in the mainstream movement
Some observations
We don’t hear transfeminist voices in the mainstream movement
We routinely allow people opposed to trans people to speak for and over them, unchallenged
Some observations
We don’t hear transfeminist voices in the mainstream movement
We routinely allow people opposed to trans people to speak for and over them, unchallenged
We are reluctant to admit that there is a thing called cisgender privilege
Some observations
We don’t hear transfeminist voices in the mainstream movement
We routinely allow people opposed to trans people to speak for and over them, unchallenged
We are reluctant to admit that there is a thing called cisgender privilege
This reluctance often runs alongside a lack of intersectionality in general
Some observations
(Intersectionality explained)
Intersectionality is a term that was coined by American professor Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989.
Originally used to highlight the additional oppression of women of colour in the women’s movement.
Inherently an academic term that can be used to highlight all instances where different oppressions intersect with each other in complex and often cumulative ways
What can we do to improve access?
What can we do to improve access?
Always consider trans people when we define space
What can we do to improve access?
Always consider trans people when we define space
End trans-oppressive language
What can we do to improve access?
Always consider trans people when we define space
End trans-oppressive language Empower and promote trans voices on
trans issues and issues relevant to trans people
What can we do to improve access?
Always consider trans people when we define space
End trans-oppressive language Empower and promote trans voices on
trans issues and issues relevant to trans people
Support trans people when they articulate their oppression
Considering trans people when we define a space
Considering trans people means . . .
Considering trans people means . . .
Listening to, researching and consulting trans people’s views and needs
Considering trans people means . . .
Listening to, researching and consulting trans people’s views and needs
Having a new process of reflection each time we set up a space, service, meeting, group or conference
Considering trans people means . . .
Listening to, researching and consulting trans people’s views and needs
Having a new process of reflection each time we set up a space, service, meeting, group or conference
Taking all transgender people into account and holding in mind their vulnerability and oppression
Considering trans people means . . .
Listening to, researching and consulting trans people’s views and needs
Having a new process of reflection each time we set up a space, service, meeting, group or conference
Taking all transgender people into account and holding in mind their vulnerability and oppression
Being prepared to develop and evolve thinking, not just sticking to the old ways
Considering trans people means . . .
Including trans men in services/discussion of pregnancy, gynaecology, and abortion
Considering trans people means . . .
Including trans men in services/discussion of pregnancy, gynaecology, and abortion
Including trans women in “women only” space
Considering trans people means . . .
Including trans men in services/discussion of pregnancy, gynaecology, and abortion
Including trans women in “women only” space Considering making the space inclusive of all
trans people and women if looking at wider gender oppression
Considering trans people means . . .
Including trans men in services/discussion of pregnancy, gynaecology, and abortion
Including trans women in “women only” space
Considering making the space inclusive of all trans people and women if looking at wider gender oppression
Considering non-binary and intersex people in our discussion
Considering trans people means . . .
Including trans men in services/discussion of pregnancy, gynaecology, and abortion
Including trans women in “women only” space Considering making the space inclusive of all
trans people and women if looking at wider gender oppression
Considering non-binary and intersex people in our discussion
Not separating and distinguishing AMAB* from AFAB non-binary/intersex people
*assigned male at birth
Considering trans people means . . .
“But what if people aren’t comfortable with a trans
woman?”
“But what if people aren’t comfortable with a trans
woman?” People might equally be uncomfortable
sharing space with a black person or a lesbian – how would you handle that?
“But what if people aren’t comfortable with a trans
woman?” People might equally be uncomfortable
sharing space with a black person or a lesbian – how would you handle that?
Remember a trans women is likely to be terrified of coming into cis-dominated women’s space, don’t judge her for having her guard up; make her comfortable
“Why should we have to include people who aren’t feminist in feminist space?”
“Why should we have to include people who aren’t feminist in feminist space?”
You shouldn’t. If your space is for feminists, it’s okay to exclude people who are not open to feminism, because their reason for being present may be dubious and potentially disruptive.
“Why should we have to include people who aren’t feminist in feminist space?”
You shouldn’t. If your space is for feminists, it’s okay to exclude people who are not open to feminism, because their reason for being present may be dubious and potentially disruptive.
Just don’t make assumptions about who is and isn’t a feminist!
“But shouldn’t we exclude trans women for
safety reasons?”
“But shouldn’t we exclude trans women for
safety reasons?”
Many minorities are over-represented within the criminal justice system
“But shouldn’t we exclude trans women for
safety reasons?”
Many minorities are over-represented within the criminal justice system
At times other minorities have been excluded from spaces due to a perception of inherent unsafety. We now understand the issues of increased minority offending are complex and linked to their oppression.
That being said . . .
That being said . . . A long history of trans women using toilets
and other facilities – no major issues have arisen*
That being said . . . A long history of trans women using toilets and
other facilities – no major issues have arisen* Unisex toilets more popular in most parts of the
world
That being said . . . A long history of trans women using toilets and
other facilities – no major issues have arisen* Unisex toilets more popular in most parts of the
world We allow boy children to use male toilets and
assume they will be safe
That being said . . . A long history of trans women using toilets
and other facilities – no major issues have arisen*
Unisex toilets more popular in most parts of the world
We allow boy children to use male toilets and assume they will be safe
We have laws to define how people should behave in public accommodations
That being said . . . A long history of trans women using toilets
and other facilities – no major issues have arisen*
Unisex toilets more popular in most parts of the world
We allow boy children to use male toilets and assume they will be safe
We have laws to define how people should behave in public accommodations
We have security protocols to ensure safety
That being said . . . A long history of trans women using toilets
and other facilities – no major issues have arisen*
Unisex toilets more popular in most parts of the world
We allow boy children to use male toilets and assume they will be safe
We have laws to define how people should behave in public accommodations
We have security protocols to ensure safety
*Source: http://mediamatters.org/research/2014/03/20/15-experts-debunk-right-wing-transgender-bathro/198533
And remember
And rememberSex segregation of toilets and other facilities arose out of Victorian notions of propriety, not from a feminist analysis of women’s safety needs
“But I don’t want to see a penis”
“But I don’t want to see a penis”
That’s okay, most trans women would be as uncomfortable about you seeing their genitals as you – there’s a reason they are called “private parts”
“But I don’t want to see a penis”
That’s okay, most trans women would be as uncomfortable about you seeing their genitals as you – there’s a reason they are called “private parts”
If you don’t go out of your way to look at people’s privates, you will never know what’s down there.
“But I don’t want to see a penis”
That’s okay, most trans women would be as uncomfortable about you seeing their genitals as you – there’s a reason they are called “private parts”
If you don’t go out of your way to look at people’s privates, you will never know what’s down there.
If you are concerned about inappropriate behaviour, don’t be – we already have laws to cover that.
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs Social isolation
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs Social isolation Poor mental health (social support
correlates to good mental health outcomes)
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs Social isolation Poor mental health (social support
correlates to good mental health outcomes)
Lack of access to needed services
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs Social isolation Poor mental health (social support
correlates to good mental health outcomes)
Lack of access to needed services Economic disparity
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs Social isolation Poor mental health (social support
correlates to good mental health outcomes)
Lack of access to needed services Economic disparity Homelessness
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
trans people Poor awareness of trans issues and needs Social isolation Poor mental health (social support
correlates to good mental health outcomes)
Lack of access to needed services Economic disparity Homelessness Suicide
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
feminism
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
feminism Silencing of trans perspectives that could
enrich feminism
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
feminism Silencing of trans perspectives that could
enrich feminism A lack of feminist awareness within the
trans community
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
feminism Silencing of trans perspectives that could
enrich feminism A lack of feminist awareness within the
trans community Trans people alienated from feminist
ideology
Consequences of marginalising trans people – impact on
feminism Silencing of trans perspectives that could
enrich feminism A lack of feminist awareness within the
trans community Trans people alienated from feminist
ideology Bad PR for feminism – bullying a
vulnerable minority is a bad look
Ending trans-oppressive language
What is trans-oppressive language?
What is trans-oppressive language?
Any system of language/dogma that rules out the legitimate existence of transgender people
What is trans-oppressive language?
Any system of language/dogma that rules out the legitimate existence of transgender people
Language that classifies transgender people as their birth assignment rather than their self-identification (using either sex or gender to do so)
What is trans-oppressive language?
Any system of language/dogma that rules out the legitimate existence of transgender people
Language that classifies transgender people as their birth assignment rather than their self-identification (using either sex or gender to do so)
Speaking on behalf of the transgender community without being allied to the transgender community
What is trans-oppressive language?
Any system of language/dogma that rules out the legitimate existence of transgender people
Language that classifies transgender people as their birth assignment rather than their self-identification (using either sex or gender to do so)
Speaking on behalf of the transgender community without being allied to the transgender community
Using individual behaviours to paint a picture of an entire group
Cont’d . . .
Cont’d . . . Assuming that we know better than trans
people about trans issues
Cont’d . . . Assuming that we know better than trans
people about trans issues Reducing trans people to body parts
(objectification)
Cont’d . . . Assuming that we know better than trans
people about trans issues Reducing trans people to body parts
(objectification) Sexualising or fetishising trans people and
their stories
Cont’d . . . Assuming that we know better than trans
people about trans issues Reducing trans people to body parts
(objectification) Sexualising or fetishising trans people
and their stories Infantilising trans people’s ability to
understand themselves or their situation
Cont’d . . . Assuming that we know better than trans
people about trans issues Reducing trans people to body parts
(objectification) Sexualising or fetishising trans people
and their stories Infantilising trans people’s ability to
understand themselves or their situation Assuming a lack of academic knowledge
= a lack of self-knowledge
Cont’d . . . Assuming that we know better than trans
people about trans issues Reducing trans people to body parts
(objectification) Sexualising or fetishising trans people
and their stories Infantilising trans people’s ability to
understand themselves or their situation Assuming a lack of academic knowledge
= a lack of self-knowledge Campaigning against trans rights or trans
inclusion
Empowering trans voices
How much power do we give trans
people?
How much power do we give trans
people? Would we allow a trans person to take the lead?
How much power do we give trans
people? Would we allow a trans person to take the lead? How much do we listen when trans people talk?
How much power do we give trans
people? Would we allow a trans person to take the lead? How much do we listen when trans people talk? Do we belittle trans people in our head?
How much power do we give trans
people? Would we allow a trans person to take the
lead? How much do we listen when trans people talk? Do we belittle trans people in our head? Do we belittle trans people in our speech and
body language?
How much power do we give trans
people? Would we allow a trans person to take the lead? How much do we listen when trans people talk? Do we belittle trans people in our head? Do we belittle trans people in our speech and
body language? Do we make trans people feel safe, welcome
and comfortable enough to fully participate?
How much power do we give trans
people? Would we allow a trans person to take the
lead? How much do we listen when trans people talk? Do we belittle trans people in our head? Do we belittle trans people in our speech and
body language? Do we make trans people feel safe, welcome
and comfortable enough to fully participate? Do we challenge our prejudices or look for
things that back them up?
How much power do we give trans
people?
How much power do we give trans
people? Do we take into account that trans people may
have other needs in addition to being trans – related to disability, autism and mental health?
How much power do we give trans
people? Do we take into account that trans people may
have other needs in addition to being trans – related to disability, autism and mental health?
Do we make sure that trans people always get to lead discussion of trans issues?
How much power do we give trans
people? Do we take into account that trans people may
have other needs in addition to being trans – related to disability, autism and mental health?
Do we make sure that trans people always get to lead discussion of trans issues?
Do we only include/support trans people who align with us (tokenism)?
How much power do we give trans
people? Do we take into account that trans people
may have other needs in addition to being trans – related to disability, autism and mental health?
Do we make sure that trans people always get to lead discussion of trans issues?
Do we only include/support trans people who align with us (tokenism)?
Do we challenge trans-oppressive language?
How much power do we give trans
people? Do we take into account that trans people
may have other needs in addition to being trans – related to disability, autism and mental health?
Do we make sure that trans people always get to lead discussion of trans issues?
Do we only include/support trans people who align with us (tokenism)?
Do we challenge trans-oppressive language? Is deleting/calling out/opposing trans
oppressive language in our ground rules?
Supporting trans people when they
articulate their oppression
Do we accept trans people’s right to
protest cissexism?
Do we accept trans people’s right to
protest cissexism? How angry are trans people allowed to be
about oppressive behaviour before being seen as “too uppity”?
Do we accept trans people’s right to
protest cissexism? How angry are trans people allowed to be
about oppressive behaviour before being seen as “too uppity”?
Do we expect trans people to “know their place”?
Do we accept trans people’s right to
protest cissexism? How angry are trans people allowed to be
about oppressive behaviour before being seen as “too uppity”?
Do we expect trans people to “know their place”?
Do we prioritise our own oppression issues and trivialise theirs?
Do we accept trans people’s right to
protest cissexism? How angry are trans people allowed to be
about oppressive behaviour before being seen as “too uppity”?
Do we expect trans people to “know their place”?
Do we prioritise our own oppression issues and trivialise theirs?
When trans people state their access needs do we perceive them as being overly demanding?
“But trans people say bad things on
twitter!”
“But trans people say bad things on
twitter!”Yes, some trans people really do behave
badly on twitter, just like lots of other people do.
“But trans people say bad things on
twitter!”Yes, some trans people really do behave
badly on twitter, just like lots of other people do. However:
“But trans people say bad things on
twitter!”Yes, some trans people really do behave
badly on twitter, just like lots of other people do. However:
It wouldn’t be the first time the oppressing majority used the minority’s bad behaviour to ignore a civil rights issue – why do we focus on this?
“But trans people say bad things on
twitter!”Yes, some trans people really do behave
badly on twitter, just like lots of other people do. However:
It wouldn’t be the first time the oppressing majority used the minority’s bad behaviour to ignore a civil rights issue – why do we focus on this?
It is unfeminist to focus on critiquing the way people articulate their oppression rather than focussing on the oppression itself
“People used to try and exclude lesbians from women’s spaces because they had “male energy”, but that’s a cheap shot – we were fierce, we had to be fierce to fight what was stacked against us. That needs to be remembered.”
Anon
Thank you for listening