Being a transfeminist

Recently there have been a number of articles concerning transwomen (Feminists versus transsexuals, Transsexuals should cut it out,Guardian columnist) and the right of transwomen to be women and whether it is appropriate for transwomen to consider themselves feminists.

From the outset everyone is entitled to their own opinion and should not be punished for that opinion.  Yet transwomen being a transwoman is seen as an unforgivable sin.  Because like a convert to a religion, a transwoman will always be seen as a convert to womanhood.  As such transwomen are seen as fair weather converts who disappear will when things get tough.  Yet transwomen have, to use a military/naval concept, nailed their colours to the wall.  Those colours show that we are in it for the long haul.

For some of us (transwomen), see being feminists as a chance to make the world better.  There is so much about feminism that I love, it offers an opportunity for self improvement, challenging traditions, and seeing the world as it might be, a world that acknowledges and celebrates difference.

Since my transition I have become involved with feminist and women's communities, yet as a transwoman, I am conscious of the fact that I will always be seen as an outsider looking in. Being an transwoman in feminist circles, I have read the blogs, books and articles by some feminists who see transwomen as interlopers or as agents of the patriarchy, into feminist and women spaces. 

Transwomen aren't the enemy of feminists, feminism or women and their bodies.  We are fellow participants in the ongoing struggle for equality.  We are people who want to live our lives, find love and happiness and make the world a little better. We are looking for a place to belong to and to communities that care about us and communities that we love.

Transpeople are still subject to medicalisation and discrimination.  Like ciswomen, our bodies have to meet strict definitions and controls.  I freely acknowledge that as a transwoman I can't menstruate or get pregnant.  But if I was offered the opportunity to have a period I would gladly take that opportunity.