Whipping Girl

Good read about how anti-trans rhetoric stems from classic sexism and phallocentrism

4.5 On cissexism:

The most common myth used to justify this cissexual privilege is the idea that cissexuals inherit the right to call themselves female or male by virtue of being born into that particular sex. In other words, cissexuals view their gender entitlement as a birthright. This is often a deceitful act, as many (if not most) cissexuals in our society tend to look disparagingly upon societies and cultures that still rely on class or caste systems—where one's occupation, social status, economic disposition, political power, etc., is predetermined based on an accident of birth. So while most Western cissexuals frown upon birth privilege as a means to determine these other forms of social class, they hypocritically embrace it when it comes to gender.

The most radical thing that any of us can do is to stop projecting our beliefs about gender onto other people's behaviors and bodies.

The greatest barrier preventing us from fully challenging sexism is the pervasive antifeminine sentiment that runs wild in both the straight and queer communities, targeting people of all genders and sexualities. The only realistic way to address this issue is to work toward empowering femininity itself. We must rightly recognize that feminine expression...facilitates openness, creativity, and honest expression. We must move beyond seeing femininity as helpless and dependent, or merely as masculinity's sidekick, and instead acknowledge that feminine expression exists of its own accord and brings its own rewards to those who naturally gravitate toward it.

This is so insightful and important. I learned a TON from it, even as someone who is reasonably up-to-speed with trans activism (I did cringe to be reminded of some of the misconceptions I harbored in the past). She clarified so many things for me and also gave me a better framework for understanding and conceptualizing gender, as well as having some excellent points to make about feminism and queer communities in general.

Responded to all my questions and challenged every assumption with aplomb. I came away feeling more educated and empathetic, and grateful for it.