In the ongoing pursuit of safe and empowering spaces for lesbians, a troubling trend has emerged: the rise of spaces excluding transgender women. While the desire for safety is understandable, such exclusion ultimately harms the communities it intends to protect. This approach ignores the lived experiences of transgender women and intersex individuals, promotes harmful misconceptions about gender identity, and undermines the feminist goals of equality and liberation.
Trans Women Are Women
A common argument used to justify the exclusion of transgender women from lesbian spaces hinges on a rigid definition of womanhood rooted in biological essentialism. This outdated view insists that only individuals born with specific genitalia can genuinely be considered women. Not only does this perspective ignore the complexities of gender identity, but it also erases the existence of intersex individuals. People born with sex characteristics that don't fit neatly into typical "male" or "female" categories demonstrate the natural diversity of human sex development. Defining womanhood based purely on biology is fundamentally flawed and disregards the lived realities of countless individuals.
This narrow definition holds immense harm for transgender women. Gender identity is a deeply felt, intrinsic sense of self. When a trans woman's identity is denied or invalidated based solely on her body, it's akin to denying her very existence. This invalidation can cause profound psychological distress, exacerbating the discrimination and marginalisation already faced by transgender individuals. By perpetuating the notion that trans women aren't "real women", we contribute to a societal atmosphere that increases their vulnerability to violence and rejection.
It's essential to recognise that this atmosphere of violence and rejection is a threat faced by all women, especially those marginalised based on their gender, race, sexual orientation, or other identities. The fight for safety and bodily autonomy should be an inclusive struggle. By isolating and excluding transgender women, we ultimately weaken the collective movement against the systems of oppression that harm us all.
A Shared History of Struggle
The discrimination faced by transgender women today echoes the struggles endured by the broader LGBTQ+ community for decades. Just as gay men were stigmatised and excluded based on their sexuality, trans individuals were ostracised for expressing a gender identity that defies societal expectations. Both groups have been targets of baseless accusations, denied fundamental rights, and subjected to violence fueled by prejudice.
Historical turning points like the Stonewall Riots and the Compton's Cafeteria riot highlight the power of resistance against such oppression. These moments remind us that progress within the LGBTQ+ community has always depended on unity and the support of allies. Similarly, true feminism has a long history of recognising the interconnected nature of women's liberation. Iconic feminist movements fought for bodily autonomy, equal rights, and dismantling the patriarchy – battles that continue today for both cisgender and transgender women.
Misogyny, rooted in control and objectification, remains a common enemy. Whether it's policing how a woman dresses, restricting reproductive rights, or the disproportionate violence faced by trans women, it's clear that patriarchy doesn't discriminate based on gender identity. Fragmenting the feminist movement along arbitrary lines weakens its power to dismantle the very systems that harm all women.
The Harms of Exclusion
When transgender women are denied access to spaces intended for women, the message is clear: their identity is not valid, and they are not considered "real" women. This invalidation cuts to the core of a person's sense of self, leading to profound psychological distress. The feeling of being ostracised and rejected can lead to isolation and self-doubt and exacerbate existing mental health challenges.
Furthermore, transgender women already face disproportionately high rates of discrimination, violence, and lack of access to essential resources like healthcare. Exclusion from lesbian spaces, intended to be supportive and affirming, compounds their marginalisation and vulnerability. This is particularly alarming given the disproportionate rates of violence experienced by trans women, especially trans women of colour. Trans women are more likely to experience physical and sexual assault, and exclusion from safe spaces further isolates them in moments of crisis. Beyond reinforcing harmful societal messages, such exclusion cuts trans women off from potential support networks, resources, and a sense of belonging that is crucial for their well-being.
Feminism Betrayed
True feminism stands for the equality and liberation of all women, regardless of race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or gender identity. At its heart, it fights against any system of oppression that seeks to marginalise or control women. Excluding transgender women from lesbian spaces stands in direct opposition to these foundational principles.
The feminist movement has a rich history of visionary leaders like Audre Lorde, Gloria Anzaldua, and countless others who championed an intersectional approach to women's liberation. They understood that dismantling patriarchy requires recognising and addressing the unique experiences of women facing multiple forms of oppression based on race, class, sexuality, and gender identity. This exclusionary trend is tragically reminiscent of white-centric feminism, which sidelined women of colour, and the historical exclusion of lesbians from the broader feminist movement.
"womanhood" has been challenged and redefined throughout feminist history. Even influential figures like Gloria Steinem have evolved in their understanding, acknowledging the need to centre the lived experiences of transgender women. The work of theorists like Judith Butler emphasises the fluidity of gender categories, arguing that truly inclusive feminism must be expansive enough to challenge rigid definitions of womanhood.
By defining womanhood based on narrow, biological criteria, we abandon the concept of intersectionality and perpetuate further division. True feminism demands we acknowledge and address the diversity of women's experiences.
Actual Safety: The Power of Consent
Many who advocate for trans-exclusive lesbian spaces do so out of genuine concern for safety. However, the belief that safety equates to exclusion is misguided. Actual safety lies not in keeping people out but in fostering a culture of consent, respect for boundaries, and empathy for diverse experiences.
Within lesbian spaces, it's essential to empower individuals with the right to decline any interaction, regardless of the other person's gender identity. This framework of consent protects everyone involved. Furthermore, lesbian communities have access to excellent resources for promoting actual safety. Many LGBTQ+ centres provide education and training on gender identity, intersectionality, and combating transphobia. Organisations like CAF Services focus on helping businesses create inclusive and respectful environments.
Many communities and events have successfully implemented consent-focused cultures. These spaces use clear codes of conduct, promote active bystander intervention, and offer training on respecting boundaries. Lesbian spaces can foster a sense of belonging by encouraging open, respectful communication of preferences and boundaries. Rather than relying on external markers, prioritising dialogue empowers individuals and creates a safer atmosphere for everyone.
Conclusion
The desire for safe and empowering spaces for lesbians is understandable and vital. However, exclusion based on gender identity is not the path to achieving this goal. Trans women are women, and the LGBTQ+ community's history reminds us that strength lies in unity. By perpetuating divisions within our ranks, we weaken the fight against the common forces of oppression that seek to harm all women.
Actual safety stems from a culture of consent, education, and respect for the diversity of lived experiences within womanhood. Instead of focusing on who to exclude, lesbian communities should invest in resources that promote understanding of trans identities and foster allyship. This includes actively combating transphobia and embracing the intersectional principles at the heart of feminism.
Let us envision a future where all women, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or background, feel welcome, respected, and safe within feminist and lesbian spaces. While agreement may not always be immediate, we can start by engaging others in respectful conversations that seek acceptance without needing immediate understanding. Through dialogue, empathy, and a steadfast belief in the liberation of all women, we can craft solutions that leave no one behind.
Addendum:
While the landscape of lesbian bars in London remains limited, a promising new venue has emerged that prioritises inclusivity. La Camionera, located in Hackney, has opened its doors and welcomes transgender patrons. This development highlights the importance of creating safe and welcoming spaces for the entire spectrum of the lesbian community.
Resources for Learning and Support:
The National Center for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org/
GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/
Stonewall U.K.: https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
Gendered Intelligence: https://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
CAF Services https://www.cynthiafortlage.com
Citations
Human Rights Campaign (HRC): https://reports.hrc.org/an-epidemic-of-violence-2023
The National Center for Transgender Equality: The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey: https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/usts/USTS-Full-Report-Dec17.pdf
The Violence Against Trans and Non-Binary People project by VAWnet: https://vawnet.org/sc/serving-trans-and-non-binary-survivors-domestic-and-sexual-violence/violence-against-trans-and
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