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Who put the RF in TERF?

Rosencreutz・48 minutes read

The text delves into the history and evolution of the Gender Critical movement, examining key figures and their ideologies, while highlighting conflicts with Queer Theory and advocating for civil engagement over transgression. It also explores the criticisms and viewpoints of notable individuals like Janice Raymond and Sheila Jeffreys, emphasizing the need for justified antagonism against those who critique feminist causes.

Insights

  • The text explores the evolution of the term "terf" from second wave Lesbian Separatists to modern-day alliances with organizations like the Heritage Foundation, showcasing the historical roots and changing alliances of Gender Critical ideology.
  • It delves into the conflict between Gender Criticals and Queer Theory, highlighting ongoing antagonism towards queerness and transness, revealing the complex relationship between different feminist perspectives and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

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Recent questions

  • What is the Gender Critical movement?

    The Gender Critical movement is a group of individuals who hold beliefs that challenge mainstream understandings of gender identity. They often reject the concept of gender as separate from biological sex and advocate for the exclusion of transgender individuals from certain spaces and rights.

  • Who is Janice Raymond and what is her ideology?

    Janice Raymond is a feminist scholar known for her book "The Transsexual Empire." Her ideology, often associated with TERFs, focuses on critiquing the medical industry's involvement in transgender issues and expresses concerns about trans women infringing on spaces designated for cisgender women.

  • What is Queer Theory and how does it relate to Gender Criticals?

    Queer Theory is an academic field that challenges traditional understandings of gender and sexuality. Gender Critical individuals, like Sheila Jeffreys, criticize Queer Theory for reinforcing gender roles and male dominance, arguing that it aligns with neoliberal power structures and lacks true political impact.

  • How does Sandy Stone contribute to transgender studies?

    Sandy Stone is a trans woman who wrote a foundational text in transgender studies. She was criticized by Janice Raymond for her work, which suggests that transsexualism could be eliminated through legislation limiting treatment and surgery.

  • What is the concept of "l’wokisme" in French discourse?

    "L’wokisme" is a term used in French right-wing discourse to criticize what they perceive as excessive political correctness or woke ideology. It is often associated with discussions around feminism and gender politics.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Unpacking Transphobia: TERF Ideology and Evolution

  • The text delves into the topic of transphobia and Gender Critical/Terf ideology, advising sensitive individuals to approach the content with caution.
  • It discusses the reactions towards TERFs and the contradictions perceived in their ideology.
  • The text explores the legacy and evolution of the term "terf" from second wave Lesbian Separatists to modern-day alliances with organizations like the Heritage Foundation.
  • The author declines to alter the content to be more algorithm-friendly, particularly regarding the use of the word "lesbian."
  • It distinguishes the focus of the video from other discussions on right-wing, Christian, and "concerned parent" perspectives on transphobia.
  • The video aims to delve into the history of the Gender Critical movement, distinct from previous works on the history of transphobia.
  • The author selects specific individuals to exemplify the general trajectory of the Gender Critical movement, rather than discussing every member at length.
  • The text clarifies that the video focuses on the intellectual wing of Gender Criticals and the ideological roots of their Trans Exclusionary nature.
  • It emphasizes that the discussion aims to track ideological roots without legitimizing the Gender Critical ideology.
  • The text introduces the conflict between the Gender Critical movement and Queer Theory, highlighting the reasons for the ongoing antagonism towards queerness and transness.

12:51

Lesbianism: Political Identity vs. Personal Truth

  • Lesbianism as a Political Identity is contrasted with lesbians as a politicized people.
  • The discussion extends to Gender Criticals and their relation to "-isms."
  • The focus shifts to Wittig and the matter of Critique.
  • Judith Butler, in Gender Trouble, highlights Wittig's view on Sex, Gender, and Sexuality.
  • Wittig's claim that one can become a lesbian rather than a woman is critiqued.
  • Questions arise about the definition and qualification of a lesbian.
  • Lesbian Separatism is critiqued for creating parallel powers and a potential boycott of patriarchy.
  • Lesbianism is viewed as a political choice rather than a personal truth.
  • The concept of a lesbian vanguard for radical feminism is deemed impractical.
  • Janice Raymond, known for The Transsexual Empire, is discussed in relation to TERF ideology.

26:09

Critique of early feminist views on transsexuals.

  • Consciousness-raising counseling for transsexuals was common in early feminist movements.
  • The language used implies that trans people can be educated away from being trans.
  • Raymond's book criticizes the medical industry for preying on vulnerable individuals.
  • The book condemns the medical industry's role in trans issues and trans women who "steal spaces" from cis women.
  • Raymond expresses concern that the women's movement is being overtaken by men seeking power.
  • Sandy Stone, a trans woman criticized by Raymond, wrote a foundational text in transgender studies.
  • Raymond's work suggests eliminating transsexualism through legislation limiting treatment and surgery.
  • Jeffreys criticizes Queer Theory for reinforcing gender roles and male dominance.
  • Jeffreys argues that Queer Politics enforces the power and privilege of white male theorists.
  • Jeffreys condemns the queer movement for regressing gender understanding and aligning with neoliberal power structures.

39:21

"Transgression in Queer Theory: A Critique"

  • Jeffreys delves into the concept of "Transgression" within Queer Theory, attributing it to Butler via Foucault.
  • She criticizes the shift from revolutionary activism challenging power differences to a focus on transgression in dress and performance.
  • Jeffreys argues that transgression is merely slacktivism, lacking true political impact.
  • She condemns the collaboration between Queer Politics and neoliberal power structures.
  • Jeffreys advocates for civil engagement like letter writing campaigns as true politicking.
  • She questions the effectiveness of existing beyond norms in deconstructing norms.
  • Jeffreys argues that transgression is a concept historically limited to upper-class males.
  • She advocates for recognizing multiple genders beyond the binary, detached from the oppression of women.
  • Jeffreys proposes abolishing the concept of gender in favor of defining behaviors based on male domination and female subordination.
  • She concludes by emphasizing the need for justified antagonism against those who critique or seek to infiltrate feminist causes.

53:23

"Terfs, Feminism, and Political Discourse Analysis"

  • The term "l’wokisme" is discussed in French right-wing discourse.
  • The issue of GC/Terfs self-identifying as feminists is explored.
  • The concept of earned identification based on actions is mentioned.
  • A comparison is made between two individuals voting for Scottish independence.
  • The historical legacy and connection of Terfs to the radfem movement are highlighted.
  • The complexity of labeling Terfs is discussed, with Gender Critical suggested as an umbrella term.
  • The potential connection between Gender Criticals and the radfem movement is explained.
  • A comparison is drawn between the rise of fascism and the response to class consciousness.
  • The ideological core and legacy of Lesbian-Feminism within the GC movement are emphasized.
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