Table of ContentsHistorical Background on Transphobia and Its Relationship to the Feminist MovementWhat Was the Purpose of This History Lesson?Possible Solutions to Breaking These Patterns of TransphobiaReferencesTransphobia, Discrimination and prejudice against transgender people has long been a pervasive problem in society, affecting the lives of countless people. It is a form of oppression that cuts across various social, political and cultural spheres. In particular, exploring the connection between transphobia and the feminist movement highlights the complexities and challenges faced by transgender people in feminist discourse and activism. By delving deeper into the historical context of transphobia and its relationship to feminism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers and struggles that transgender people have faced throughout history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe feminist movement, with its core tenet of advocating gender equality, has played a crucial role in challenging and the dismantling of patriarchal norms and structures. However, discussions of transphobia and transgender issues within feminist spaces have often been controversial, highlighting the need for nuanced exploration of their interlocking dynamics. By examining the historical context, we can discern how transphobia has affected the feminist movement's inclusiveness and engagement with transgender experiences. Historical Background of Transphobia and Its Relationship to the Feminist Movement Feminism has a long history, with Western feminism dating back to the 1300s, but it was not until the 1960s that feminism was critically analyzed by feminists . This analysis led to the creation of radical feminism which is one of the many perspectives of feminism. The fundamental belief of radical feminism is in favor of a reorganization of society in which male supremacy is eliminated in all social and economic contexts, while recognizing that women's experiences are affected by other social divisions such as race, class and sexual orientation. However, since its inception, radical feminism has always been divided over gender identity as a social division. It was only in the 1970s that the first trans-exclusionists truly separated themselves from radical feminism. The original TERFs operated in ways that might have been considered more "conventional" bigoted, primarily by threatening violence against trans women who dared to exist in radical feminist or lesbian spaces. However, some of the most recognizable TERF talking points existed. In 1979, what became known as the TERF Handbook was drawn up. “Transsexual Empire: the making of the s*emale” combines TERF theory with political action, arguing that “transsexualism… should be morally mandated to disappear.” At the same time, he says that while it would be impossible to ban trans or transitioning people, TERFs should make transitioning as difficult as possible. Sound familiar? After this point, conflicts between trans-exclusionaries and trans-inclusionists remained quiet for the next 30 years, not without conflict. In 2008, the word TERF was first coined by trans-inclusionist feminist blogger Viv Smythe. From there, the term and the ideology associated with it infected the Internet,especially progressive blogging sites like Tumblr, where I first heard the term. It was then supported by right-wing media owned by the Murdoch empire, to the point where we are today where it has become ingrained in the British definition of feminism. Many gender theorists attribute this growth in the UK to a toxic combination of historical imperialism and the wider "skeptical" movement that existed in the 2000s and was obsessed with debating pseudo-science instead of demystify it and ignore it. Unsurprisingly, growing support from right-wing media has caused TERF ideology to take a more right-wing tone, attacking not only trans people but also the wider LGBTIQA community as well as the progress feminists have fought for . Although they are very quick to deny this, they mask their attacks with concern. However, the facade of LGBTQIA support and feminism crumbles very quickly when cornered. What was the point of this history lesson? First, transphobia did not come out of nowhere and is in no way “modern,” like many other forms of intolerance. , it is the result of a majority holding power over a minority and attacking any attempt by the minority to seek a redistribution of power. What is different is that the majority is a historically oppressed group and instead of doing what is expected and showing empathy, they are oppressing the new minority in the same way they once were . I am in no way saying that women are no longer oppressed. , this is the only area I agree with JK Rowling, in her essay she said it was a dangerous time for women and I completely agree. But the threat to women is not from trans people, the threat to women is what it has always been: patriarchy. Women and trans people are allies in this process, both threatened by rigid gender roles that suppress their expression. Transphobia was created by the patriarchy in order to subjugate and divide like-minded people. If women and trans people who have a lot in common are too busy fighting, they will not disrupt the power structure that caused their oppression, because they are both suffering from the same system of oppression. Second, debate is not the way to eliminate transphobia. . Debating a belief implies that it is valid, transphobia is not valid. The debate provides a platform for transphobia to repeat and spread. Evidence has shown that repeating lies and false beliefs only affirms that belief, no matter how strong the oppositions in the debate, such as the example of QAnon. The debate has caused the mess we find ourselves in; we must demystify and educate. Because it is only through education that we can foster respect and acceptance. Zero tolerance for these fanatical beliefs is the only way to ensure that bigotry does not spread. If people are not willing to listen and be informed about trans liberation, then they must be driven out, the same way we drive out racists, anti-Semites and other bigots. If they have gotten to the point where they are no longer listening and are not changing their minds, then we need to send the message that their beliefs are no longer conducive to a civilized and tolerant society. Finally, as allies, we are failing trans people. Especially in the way we interact with transphobic people. An example of this is the hashtag phrase transphobic women are women, although this has been a big cry of, 2007.