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Original poster

Has anyone considered the impact on women's mental health?

32 replies

teentantrums · 17/02/2025 11:31

I know that there is a real and compelling argument for shutting males out of female spaces as a physical safeguarding measure but I wondered whether there has been any research into what this immense change being foisted on to us is doing to women's mental health? I spoke to a young activist this week who insisted that women should just accept that trans women are women and be prepared to shower and change with them - how?? This never seems to be addressed. How are we meant to override our instincts even if we all agreed that overriding them would be good for everyone (which it clearly is not!)

On a personal level, gender ideology and the way it attempts to rewrite what being female means and the aggressiveness with which it seeks to eliminate free thought has had a very negative effect on my own mental health. And it seems that it is very difficult to even seek help regarding this as so many therapists will not discuss the issue or worse, actively assert that it is wrong not to believe TWAW. Just wondered whether the psychological impact on women is discussed at all.

OP posts:
MomBruh · 17/02/2025 12:31

How are we meant to override our instincts even if we all agreed that overriding them would be good for everyone

This is what I really struggle with.
I've never peaked because I've never for one second felt that TWAW.
In any way. Ever. In any scenario.
I'm not hateful or scared. It just does not compute.
Why couldnt it be accepted for what it is - rejection of arbitrary gender nonsense which harms everyone. I could so wholeheartedly support that.

I'm definitely opressed regarding what (truths) I can say at work. I feel very negative and frustrated by all the policies citing gender, not sex, and a transwoman taking up 25% of the presentation on international woman's day agenda.
I see Sandie Peggie being told to 'get undressed or fuck off' by a huge public body and it makes me scared and angry.

Not great for my MH but who gives a shit.

Thelnebriati · 17/02/2025 12:27

This is one reason why this is not a human or civil rights movement. The impact on women's mental health and on safeguarding is catastrophic.
And this is being done at the same time as other negative incidents such as the Pelicot trial, and several high profile murders which also have a negative impact on our feelings of security and mental well being.

Sunat45degrees · 17/02/2025 12:18

I think the mental health piece is caught up very much in the understanding by people whoare trying to protect women's spaces that it's NOT just about physical safety, but also emotional safety. We can mostly agree that many trans people are not going to be physically abusive in our spaces, but we still don't want them there becuase it is scary and uncomfortable for all of us.

It's actually one of the arguments I make often becuase so often I hear people say, "But why would you force a trans woman to use a men's changing room when it would make her so uncomfortable" and I reply, "but why shoudl I, or 10 year old DD, be uncomfortable, as well as the other 20 women in the space at any given moment?"

MrsOvertonsWindow · 17/02/2025 12:18

The definition of coercive control is always useful when considering the actions and words of those trying to remove safeguards from women and children:

"Coercive control refers to continuous patterns of behaviour that are intended to exert power or control over someone. These behaviours deprive people of their independence and can make them feel isolated or scared. This can have a serious impact on their day-to-day life and wellbeing".

NPET · 17/02/2025 12:16

I'm caught (as always).
I'm 20 and "supposed" to be woke and pro-trans. Well, I'm not anti-trans if that's the way somebody wants to go -- BUT I am not showering or changing within sight of anyone with a penis!

HaddyAbrams · 17/02/2025 12:09

Aren't we supposed to just "be kind" and "reframe our trauma"?

zanahoria · 17/02/2025 12:03

Excellent points

Telling people back is white and 2+2=5 is never going to be good for mental health

And those are abstract examples that do not impinge upon feelings of personal safety.