should we look at the societies created by Marge Pierce, Starhawk, Sheri Tepper, Andre Norton and their ilk? Did they outline the cultural shifts we are experiencing today?
My feminism and activism was greatly affected by the anarcho-feminist writers of the 1980s, their works often published by Women's Press or radical small presses and publishing houses.
I need to reread to be sure but I am convinced that their exploration of relationships, of sexuality, of what it is to be a woman or a man differed from today's 'gender fluidity' in one very important aspect. They saw the people of the future being free to live the lives that fulfilled them, working in areas that suited their natures and allowed them to fully express their real selves. However, and this is the real nub of the difference, issues of power were not linked to this exploration or expression.
They wanted to be their own true selves without taking any status or reality away from anyone else, they saw life as being best lived through a system of 'power-with' not 'power-over'. Starhawk's Fifth Sacred Thing saw people trying to be the best person they could be, saw society as working best as a collective, where, for example, those with nurturing natures cared for small children, those with a talent for healing became medics.
In Marge Piercy's Woman on the Edge of Time 'per' is used for he or she, the society perceives no need to reference gender in conversation. Again, power is disseminated not held by one group over another.
In Andre Norton's Left Hand of Darkness people only have denied sexual characteristics when reproducing.
Sheri Tepper's work in fantasy and science fiction challenges so much of our perceptions but she despises those who use strength and power to dominate and enslave.
I have just put down my thoughts without editing or rereading so excuse my ramblings.
I am more and more convinced that all of this transactivism stems from a deep-seated desire to suppress women and girls.
The hatred for lesbians who dare reject men is palpable and obscene.
I loved those books, I have found always people who subvert gender conventions in clothes attractive, but there is something unkind, dismissive and derisive at play here that worries me greatly.
There is a need for 'power-over', a need that has promoted inequality, class division, racism, and the creation of an elite that cares nothing for the rights of the vast majority of people, especially women.