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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Trying to understand the hate trans people get on here.

709 replies

Kelcat9494 · 05/07/2020 11:35

Hello,

Firstly I want to say I am not attacking anyone on this forum and I expect the same respect as we are all entitled to an opinion and I am genuinely interested in the reasons why transgender people get so much hate on here:

Firstly I see a lot about not wanting to share bathrooms with trans women as it's a women's safe space - I don't really understand this because to be honest when I'm sat in the cubicle doing my business, I don't think about the persons genitals next to me, it's all very private as you know. The only thing we'd share is the sinks and I don't see a problem with that really. I did read a post about a abuse survivor not wanting to the share the bathroom with someone with a penis (I'm really sorry that the person went through the abuse but that isn't trans people's fault, the fault is with the abuser alone) but in reality a trans person is more at risk in the bathroom and you have no idea whether they are pre op or post op as again in the bathrooms I've been in we don't show each other our genitalia. They are genuinely just doing their human business in the same room as you so don't understand the problem, actually I suppose people are afraid some odd men would use being transgender as an excuse to use the woman's bathroom but that's not trans women's fault also by this logic if we don't want trans women in the bathroom then we should have transmen in there (either pre op or post op), I've posted some pictures below of transmen and woman, would you really want the trans women in men's bathroom and the transmen in the womens?? (I can only post three but you get my point).

I know JKRowling posted about periods and a lot of people jumped on it to say only women have periods and whatever, this isn't true though is it? Some biological women aren't able to have periods or carry a pregnancy or be able to give birth so if we don't see that as a problem as we recognise it's a biological issue then why is trans-men having a period a problem and trans women not having one an issue? And who actually cares? There's enough tampax to go around, maybe let's focus on making them free for women and transmen as I for one is sick of paying for a "luxury item" I need every month due to no fault of my own.

I can't think of anymore off the top of my head that's been posted but anything in the comments I'm happy to reply to but I genuinely think this forum needs to consider what transgender people actually go through, imagine not feeling like you're in the right body, being attacked and hated for who you are and it's obviously not for fun and games because transgender people actually commit suicide over the issues they face remember #bekind and really think how sharing a bathroom or sharing a tampax would affect you? I don't think you'd kill yourself over it.

OP posts:
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6
highame · 29/07/2020 19:36

@MsSafina

*let men into women's toilets* This is already happening with the trend for unisex facilities.
Unisex doesn't mean Women's, it means Unisex!
MrGHardy · 29/07/2020 19:26

@Kelcat9494

Hello,

Firstly I want to say I am not attacking anyone on this forum and I expect the same respect as we are all entitled to an opinion and I am genuinely interested in the reasons why transgender people get so much hate on here:

Firstly I see a lot about not wanting to share bathrooms with trans women as it's a women's safe space - I don't really understand this because to be honest when I'm sat in the cubicle doing my business, I don't think about the persons genitals next to me, it's all very private as you know. The only thing we'd share is the sinks and I don't see a problem with that really. I did read a post about a abuse survivor not wanting to the share the bathroom with someone with a penis (I'm really sorry that the person went through the abuse but that isn't trans people's fault, the fault is with the abuser alone) but in reality a trans person is more at risk in the bathroom and you have no idea whether they are pre op or post op as again in the bathrooms I've been in we don't show each other our genitalia. They are genuinely just doing their human business in the same room as you so don't understand the problem, actually I suppose people are afraid some odd men would use being transgender as an excuse to use the woman's bathroom but that's not trans women's fault also by this logic if we don't want trans women in the bathroom then we should have transmen in there (either pre op or post op), I've posted some pictures below of transmen and woman, would you really want the trans women in men's bathroom and the transmen in the womens?? (I can only post three but you get my point).

I know JKRowling posted about periods and a lot of people jumped on it to say only women have periods and whatever, this isn't true though is it? Some biological women aren't able to have periods or carry a pregnancy or be able to give birth so if we don't see that as a problem as we recognise it's a biological issue then why is trans-men having a period a problem and trans women not having one an issue? And who actually cares? There's enough tampax to go around, maybe let's focus on making them free for women and transmen as I for one is sick of paying for a "luxury item" I need every month due to no fault of my own.

I can't think of anymore off the top of my head that's been posted but anything in the comments I'm happy to reply to but I genuinely think this forum needs to consider what transgender people actually go through, imagine not feeling like you're in the right body, being attacked and hated for who you are and it's obviously not for fun and games because transgender people actually commit suicide over the issues they face remember #bekind and really think how sharing a bathroom or sharing a tampax would affect you? I don't think you'd kill yourself over it.

" I don't really understand this because to be honest when I'm sat in the cubicle doing my business, I don't think about the persons genitals next to me, it's all very private as you know"

Then why do transwomen need to be in the women's? Why do women not get to think about who is next to them, but transwomen do?

MsSafina · 29/07/2020 11:15

let men into women's toilets
This is already happening with the trend for unisex facilities.

Dekalog · 29/07/2020 01:08

After an unpromising beginning, this thread has turned out to be quite informative for those new to this issue and forum. Thanks all to those who took the time to write so clearly about many aspects and nuances of their concerns and the overall political landscape. It took over an hour to read through and although I skimmed a few posts, I also read a few posts a couple of times over, particularly @Ramblingwords comprehensive post on page 11 of this thread which is just gold. I wished I could snip quote or easily link to the post, but perhaps I've missed a button/function on this board.

Anyway, I came here originally to get a sense of the shape of the larger debate, followed by belatedly tuning into much of what's been happening on Twitter. I don't engage a great deal on Twitter, especially on trans matters. For me, it can often feel a corrosive, unilluminating timesink, unless discussing professional topics and its been helpful in that regard. For those of us who fully medically and surgically transitioned some years ago, and are just leading fairly conventional lives, it's been helpful to obtain a nuanced picture by coming here and finding a few substantive threads to read.

It's true. I don't have that childhood formation or experience of structural oppression as a young girl, but like other women, I've faced down unwelcome behaviour, been patronised, fought like hell for comparative pay, undermined at work, told to smile, told once to wear a sari (!), had my breasts stared at, sworn at for being a complete bitch... and assaulted at night, in the street, by some pissed bloke in his 30s, just a couple of hundred yards from the flat. I've been asked at least a dozen times why I don't have kids, to which the only honest reply is that I was unable to have them, which usually ends the conversation. I stopped wearing makeup in my 40s unless for certain meetings or occasions, and when not at work, muck around – like many of us – in trackies, jeans and t-shirts. These are shared overlapping experiences... which is ultimately, is all we have as humanity.

Some of the intrusive and disturbing behaviour that others here have described here across a range of places, platforms, spaces and activities sounds absolutely horrific... and I can only apologise for those who have hurt people in the past. In some people's eyes, I may be lumped in under some sprawling trans umbrella term, but these are not people I personally communicate or associate with. My friends are mostly (biological) women, and some gay couples scattered across London and the world. I'm close to my sisters who live abroad... but the idea which I've read elsewhere on this forum, that as a transwoman, I represent some kind of overarching apocalyptic threat to gay men and lesbian women and their political struggles, is going to take a while to absorb and reflect on – especially to understand how this particular hypothesis is formulated. Slippery slope arguments aren't always persuasive.

There are a couple of comments buried deep in this thread I can't currently find and may come back to in another post. Someone asked why we can't monitor and influence our own 'community', someone touched on cancer and there was another long well-intentioned post buried in there somewhere which could do with a revisit.

Thanks again.

12boo · 15/07/2020 13:38

@Bananabixfloof

Maybe they don't in swish offices, but they do elsewhere, especially if it's not a high-traffic area

I can tell you it makes no difference how fancy or crappy or high/low traffic area. They leave the doors open and the loos a complete pissy shitty mess.
I mean when the womens loo is in a state then it's bad, but usually a reason for it (sudden period/miscarriage/morning sickness)

From a cleaner of high and low end bogs.

There's also an increased chance if hiding a camera
Bananabixfloof · 13/07/2020 17:21

Maybe they don't in swish offices, but they do elsewhere, especially if it's not a high-traffic area

I can tell you it makes no difference how fancy or crappy or high/low traffic area. They leave the doors open and the loos a complete pissy shitty mess.
I mean when the womens loo is in a state then it's bad, but usually a reason for it (sudden period/miscarriage/morning sickness)

From a cleaner of high and low end bogs.

Howzaboutye · 11/07/2020 08:39

Hi OP.
What an interesting thread to read. I was of the same position as you about a year ago. Then I listened to all the points that have been made on this thread.

It makes me sad the entrenched misogeny in our culture.

Stick around and keep learning though.

deepwatersolo · 11/07/2020 07:41

I just read the article about what women vs what men do to protect themselves, that a PP posted here and it has made me think. (Also, the posts where PPs describe/envy their partners‘ carelessness).

Clearly, this fear takes away one‘s freedom in a way. At the same time, I think males, particularly underage boys, underestimate the risks they face. I have to say, I do raise my son to be rather aware of such risks (public toilet...). Is that wrong? He is more fearful than his peers. Maybe I‘m taking something away from him there. Idk.

Women and girls are certainly more at risk than males, but I sometimes feel that the difference in perception (and consequently the attitude we go through life) goes way beyond the actual difference in numbers.

(Sorry for the tangent, and yes, I want sex segregated toilets, for the obvious reasons stated on this thread).

ArcheryAnnie · 09/07/2020 22:58

@Pepper70

I should add, that in theory I don't have a problem with gender neutral toilets, if they had wash hands basin inside the cubicle and if they are situated off corridors on open space. Lots of offices in central London are like this - big long corridor, open at either end, with a bank of toilets down one side, all self contained. I really don't have a problem with that. It's the cubicles then then lead in to the hand washing area with another door somewhere that goes back out to communal areas that gives me concern.
I've got a problem with these in public areas because too many men leave the cubicle doors open. I don't care if they do this because they are lazy, or if it's because they are flashers, I still don't want to see it.

Maybe they don't in swish offices, but they do elsewhere, especially if it's not a high-traffic area.

Kelcat9494 · 09/07/2020 22:58

@ArcheryAnnie

Has anyone yet pointed out to *@Kelcat9494* that one of the photos posted as a "gotcha" is Buck Angel, who shares quite a few of the opinions commonly posted in this here FWR.

There's also plenty that we disagree on (I'm seriously not a big fan of porn, for example, which has been Buck's living) but Buck, if you ever read this, I'd totally sit down for a pint with you. I think we'd have a lovely time.

And in the meantime, @Kelcat9494 might like to visit Buck's twitter account, and be aghast at the terrible, terrible transphobia that Buck (a trans pioneer) expresses by stating that sex differences are a real thing, and that kids shouldn't be fast-tracked to transing.

Hi,

Yes it's been pointed out a few times and I have been on Bucks twitter.

I'm not sure if he'll ever read this but I'm sure he's an interesting chap to have a chat with.

Wasn't really a "gotcha" picture, originally it was more pointing out I'd feel more taken back from seeing buck in the women's toilets, that's all.

OP posts:
ArcheryAnnie · 09/07/2020 22:56

Has anyone yet pointed out to @Kelcat9494 that one of the photos posted as a "gotcha" is Buck Angel, who shares quite a few of the opinions commonly posted in this here FWR.

There's also plenty that we disagree on (I'm seriously not a big fan of porn, for example, which has been Buck's living) but Buck, if you ever read this, I'd totally sit down for a pint with you. I think we'd have a lovely time.

And in the meantime, @Kelcat9494 might like to visit Buck's twitter account, and be aghast at the terrible, terrible transphobia that Buck (a trans pioneer) expresses by stating that sex differences are a real thing, and that kids shouldn't be fast-tracked to transing.

Deliriumoftheendless · 09/07/2020 19:21

Milotic- no probs, I don’t normally poke my nose in but that got my goat.

You can clearly handle yourself Smile

BigGee · 09/07/2020 19:13

@LadyFlumpalot

BigGee, I'm struggling to articulate what I mean well, but it's something like:

If it's triggering to be reminded that people who have periods are called women because it is something they won't have... surely it will be equally triggering to have hospital staff referring to their prostate, or testicles etc? To have a hospital reaffirming they have a male body?

Apologies if that doesn't make sense!

No, you're explaining well, its just that the spectrum of "trans" now is so broad that everyone and their cat qualifies. I guess some will be triggered but I expect the majority will just gird their loins and focus on getting better. I think those who would be triggered possibly might be reluctant to take part in sex appropriate health checks, so that's a worry for them. I don't know what the answers would be, probably as many answers are there are individuals affected.
Milotic · 09/07/2020 16:32

Thank you @Deliriumoftheendless but don't worry about me dear. I just like using the bluntest language possible.

People are free to tell me my opinion is transphobic.

But I'll show them up for defending rapists and paedophiles.

It's transphobic to call those people trans in my opinion. Normal trans people don't want to be associated with the fetishists and end up getting assaulted themselves.

People should be thankful I'm referring to my MTF ex as trans tbh because he isn't trans either he told me he hates other trans. Gays are drama. Lesbians are rad fem man haters. And bisexual people like me are greedy cum dumpsters.

Yeah. @GreytExpectations can carry on thinking they know what phobic abuse is. Im the one who lived with transphobia and bi phobia (because btw yes it's still transphobic abuse even if the person doesn't identify as trans).

Deliriumoftheendless · 09/07/2020 15:55

Milotic

I can’t tell you what to do but I’d ignore those trying to get a rise out of you. Most hear are sympathetic to you I reckon.

LadyFlumpalot · 09/07/2020 15:34

BigGee, I'm struggling to articulate what I mean well, but it's something like:

If it's triggering to be reminded that people who have periods are called women because it is something they won't have... surely it will be equally triggering to have hospital staff referring to their prostate, or testicles etc? To have a hospital reaffirming they have a male body?

Apologies if that doesn't make sense!

Milotic · 09/07/2020 14:42

@GreytExpectations and I'll refer to my rapists as whatever the fuck I want.

My actual trans friends do aswell so go and virtue signal and white knight somewhere else.

HPW freak the living shit out of my trans friends.

Milotic · 09/07/2020 14:40

Referring to a trans person as "hairy panty wearers" is transphobic and should be removed.

Why? That's what they refer to themselves as
They are not trans. They are men who like wearing women's underwear whilst being male.

BigGee · 09/07/2020 14:38

@LadyFlumpalot

What I want to know is, if a transwoman got sick with a Male cancer what would they do? If it is so hideously transphobic and triggering for them to recognise that woman get periods, what on earth would being told they have prostate, testicular or penile (obviously pre-transition in the last two examples) cancer do to them?!?
Not necessarily pre-transition LadyFlumpalot. You'd be surprised how many "fully transitioned trans women" retain their fully functioning male genitalia. 85% or thereabouts nowadays. So yes, they DO have the same risk of testicular cancer as all other men. If they're not triggered by looking down and seeing a penis when they remove their clothing after transition, I doubt having cancer in it will trigger them further (apart from the obvious terrible situation of having a horrific condition like cancer).
LadyFlumpalot · 09/07/2020 14:32

What I want to know is, if a transwoman got sick with a Male cancer what would they do? If it is so hideously transphobic and triggering for them to recognise that woman get periods, what on earth would being told they have prostate, testicular or penile (obviously pre-transition in the last two examples) cancer do to them?!?

KitKat1985 · 08/07/2020 17:46

I don't hate trans people.

I do have a lot of concerns about the denial of biological reality. Fact is if you have an XY chromosomes you are biologically and genetically male, and if you have XX chromosomes you are biologically and genetically female. No amount of surgery or artificial hormones changes that.

I don't believe you can be 'born in the wrong body' and have concerns that this narrative may be harming people. On what basis of not feeling you are the right gender is this decision made? Why can a man not have a lot of feminine traits and still be a man? Why can't people just be encouraged to accept who they are and accept that they don't have to fit into typical gender narratives, and that doesn't mean that they are in the 'wrong body'.

I have real concerns about this agenda being pushed onto vulnerable and confused teenagers who may end up making decisions that will harm them for the rest of their life, both on a physical and emotional level.

I have concerns that women only areas like sport are becoming increasingly unfair playing fields as in terms of strength, running speeds etc transwomen are biologically always going to have the edge in these regards being genetically male, so biological females are starting to struggle to win in female sports.

I have concerns that if a biological female feels uncomfortable about sharing a space with a transwoman, whether because of history of abuse, domestic violence, or sheer discomfort; they are continuously being told that their discomfort is secondary to making the transwoman feel comfortable and that they continuously become the second class citizen in this regard.

Mostly I am concerned that the trans community are shouting 'transphobic' and 'trans hatred' every time someone tries to raise these sorts of concerns, no matter how politely, which serves only to stop people being able to have an actual discussion about these concerns in a meaningful and productive way. Many people I know share my concerns but have become increasingly afraid to raise any concerns publicly because their words so often get twisted or painted as trans-hatred, and they genuinely fear for their jobs etc to say anything which isn't 100% pro-trans.

LillianBland · 08/07/2020 17:31

Milotic
The ironic thing about those pictures is theyd be hugely triggering for the average trans person as they will never ever pass that well.

Sorry but it's a fact. And they know it.

My ex used to spend hours looking at the pictures the hairy panty wearers post. All of 20year old natal females.

That's unhealthy for a 40 year old woman to be aspiring to never mind someone male.

Referring to a trans person as "hairy panty wearers" is transphobic and should be removed.

It’s actually very transphobic to assume that Milotic was talking about trans people and not just male bodied people with a fetish. Please stop suggesting that all trans people behave in such a manner.

Pepper70 · 08/07/2020 17:14

How do I access this thread, new to mumsnet

GreytExpectations · 08/07/2020 17:07

@Milotic

The ironic thing about those pictures is theyd be hugely triggering for the average trans person as they will never ever pass that well.

Sorry but it's a fact. And they know it.

My ex used to spend hours looking at the pictures the hairy panty wearers post. All of 20year old natal females.

That's unhealthy for a 40 year old woman to be aspiring to never mind someone male.

Referring to a trans person as "hairy panty wearers" is transphobic and should be removed.
wellbehavedwomen · 08/07/2020 16:58

@Pepper70

I should add, that in theory I don't have a problem with gender neutral toilets, if they had wash hands basin inside the cubicle and if they are situated off corridors on open space. Lots of offices in central London are like this - big long corridor, open at either end, with a bank of toilets down one side, all self contained. I really don't have a problem with that. It's the cubicles then then lead in to the hand washing area with another door somewhere that goes back out to communal areas that gives me concern.
This is absolutely fine, I think. Nicer, in fact. Sadly as has been said, what usually happens is that men retain their loos and women's are designated unisex (and even where that doesn't happen, women don't use loos with urinals, so it has happened whatever the labels).
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