Trans-Exclusionary Feminism ISN’T Feminism.
We all deserve to live safely and comfortably in our own bodies.
by Cher Petersen
Navigating Women’s Month
Jaded, disillusioned and terrified. That’s the only way I can describe what I felt this past Women’s month. The memory of Uyinene and countless others, lost to the scourge of gender-based violence, and my countless drug-induced episodes of psychosis have shown me the level of disregard for women inflicted onto the world by not only men but also those of us who claim to be women.
Some of those very same women, who have very little to say when others are left for dead in the nearest clearing, fending for their lives after being sexually assaulted. The very same women, who defend perpetrators of gender-based violence. The very same women who run to the hills of anti-scientific rhetoric to spew hateful vitriol at trans-women looking for a safe space. It is those women, like formerly noted author J.K Rowling, who have left the rest of us (or at least those of us with a little bit of empathy, consideration and some common decency) hopeless, defeated but yearning for something to fight for.
Transphobia in South Africa
As a trans-woman, my aforementioned psychosis has been eerily mirrored in real life. Every circumstance is a cacophony of silent stares, mouthed whispers outing me without my consent, furtive glances of othering and disgusted snickers of horror at the idea of what lurks between my legs. I haven’t found myself in many women’s spaces where I’ve been wholly welcomed, and I guess that’s why so many of us keep to ourselves or stay isolated. Then again, there’s also the high risk of violence, so for sure can’t trust men either. So what then?
Do we just remain hopeful in the face of exclusion by trans-exclusionary radical feminists, or do we stand by the ideal of equality while knowing full well that the same women besides you may be the one’s secretly invalidating your existence?
Alas, there is hope to be found. In these dark and tumultuous times, I’ve found online spaces to be warm and welcoming, much like this very platform. The definition of what it means to be a woman is open for interpretation and the myriad of experiences is a place of solace, for many of us scared by our traumas.
Having recently begun crowdfunding for my gender-confirmation surgery, the online support has been overwhelming. The warmth and generosity displayed by virtual strangers have empowered me to be more open, and welcome the love and support we need so dearly. Thus far I’ve raised a good 22% of my goal of R200 000, to undergo a procedure I have longed for since the conception of my self-awareness as a little one. If you would love to share my story, have a look at my BackABuddy page, which says so much more than I can even begin to express here.
