If you are a lesbian experiencing homophobic abuse and threats from a political group, I hardly think that makes you prejudiced to call that political group or individuals expressing those views out for it.
This is the problem: you have multiple minority groups here.
We keep getting fed the trope that if you are trans, you can't be sexist (you can) or if you are trans you can't be homophobic (you can), in much the same way that you used to be told that if you were a POC you couldn't be racist (you can).
Instead of thinking in terms of the most vulnerable in a situation we are led down the garden path by this notion that if you have a particular identity you are part of a rigid hierarchy of oppression, which has no nuance. In this system transwomen are placed right at the bottom, below all other individuals, which is quite frankly bollocks.
It is not prejudiced to point this out.
Indeed its an essential part of safeguarding frameworks. If you are saying that we should ignore this framework and treat all transwomen as the most utterly oppressed in society be my guest and actually say it. Lets have it on record and out in the open.
Otherwise piss off with the transphobia shrill. We need to have the freedom to be able to express concerns about individuals and groups if we perceive a threat. Even if that fear is ultimately proved unfounded.
When we are unable to do this, this is where scandals like Rochdale occur.
It is not transphobic to point out the necessity and essential need for safeguarding frameworks and how shouting transphobia at the drop of a hat, undermines this. It becomes meaningless and actually acts as a great big red flag.
The advancement of homosexual rights did not include this identity hierarchy over the most vulnerable. Nor did it include bodily alterations or medicalisation. Nor did it advocate violence against anyone who didn't hold quite the same opinion. Strangely enough these issues in any other situation would raise eyebrows.
Put it into the context of trans and 'alakazam' these concerns have to disappear in a puff of smoke?
Excuse whilst I fall about laughing at anyone wailing 'oh but transphobia' as a result.
Na. Anyone who trying to bypass, de-legitimise or otherwise dismantle existing safeguarding frameworks needs a long hard look at.
Let me put this straight to you. Just because you're trans doesn't mean you should get a free pass and be treated any differently to anyone else.
And thats what a hell of a lot of this wailing 'transphobia' is about. Wanting special treatment and privilege - not equal rights - that others do not have and not liking it when someone says 'er hang on a second' thats a bit of an issue.
Yes transphobia absolutely does exist. There are cases where there are no other vulnerable parties involved and there is straight discrimination. There are cases where people are abused because of what they are.
But too often its used as a defence about what people are saying not who they are. It is the behaviour that is problematic and that's what a lot of people are calling out and being smeared for doing so.
I'm equal ops. If you behave like an arsehole, I reserve the right to call you an arsehole. Regardless of your identity.
I encourage others to do the same.