IndexThe historical background of transphobia and its relationship with the feminist movementWhat was the purpose of this history lesson?Possible solutions to break these patterns of transphobiaReferencesTransphobia, discrimination and Prejudice against transgender individuals has long been a pervasive problem within society, affecting the lives of countless individuals. It is a form of oppression that intersects different social, political and cultural spheres. In particular, exploring the connection between transphobia and the feminist movement sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by transgender individuals within feminist discourse and activism. By delving 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 individuals have faced throughout history. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The feminist movement, with its core principle of supporting gender equality, has played a crucial role in challenging and dismantling patriarchal norms and structures. However, discussions of transphobia and transgender issues within feminist spaces have often been contentious, highlighting the need for a nuanced exploration of their intertwined dynamics. By examining the historical context, we can discern the ways in which transphobia has influenced 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, Western feminism originated in the 1300s, however 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 many perspectives within feminism. The core belief of radical feminism is for the reordering of society in which male supremacy is eliminated in all social and economic contexts, while also recognizing that women's experiences are influenced by other social divisions such as race, class, and sexual orientations. However, since its inception, radical feminism has always been divided over gender identity as a social division. It wasn't until the 1970s that the first trans-exclusivists truly separated themselves from radical feminism. The original TERFs operated in a way that would be considered more “conventionally” bigoted, primarily by threatening violence against trans women who dared to exist in radical feminist or lesbian spaces. However, there were some of the more recognizable TERF talking points. In 1979, what has become known as the TERF handbook was written. “Transsexual Empire: The Creation of S*emale” combines TERF theory with political action, arguing that “transsexualism… should be morally banished from existence.” Furthermore, arguing that while it would be impossible to ban transitioning or trans people, TERFs should make transitioning as difficult as possible. Does this sound familiar? Thereafter, the conflicts between trans-exclusivist and trans-inclusive simmered for the next 30 years, not without conflict. In 2008 the word TERF was first coined by trans inclusive feminist blogger Viv Smythe. From there the term, along with its associated ideology, infected the Internet, particularly progressive blogs like Tumblr, where I first heard the term. It has grown further with the support of the right-wing media, those owned by the Murdoch empire, to the point where we are now where it isbecome ingrained in the British definition of feminism. Many such theorists attribute this growth in the UK to a toxic combination of historical imperialism and the wider “skeptical” movement existing in the 2000s which had an obsession with discussing pseudo-science rather than debunking and ignoring it. This growing support from right-wing media has caused TERF ideology to take on a more right-wing tone, attacking not only trans people but the wider LGBTIQA community and the progress that feminists have fought for. Even if they are quick to deny it, masking their attacks with concern. However, the façade of LGBQIA support and feminism crumbles very quickly when pressed. What was the purpose of this history lesson? First, transphobia did not come out of nowhere and is not at all “modern,” just like many other forms of bigotry. , 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 exercising empathy, they instead oppress the new minority in the same way they were once oppressed. I am in no way saying that women are no longer oppressed. , is the only area where I agree with JK Rowling, in her essay she said that this is a dangerous time for women and I absolutely agree. But the threat to women is not trans people, the threat to women is what patriarchy has always been. Women and trans people are allies in this, both threatened by rigid gender roles that repress their expression. Transphobia was created by patriarchy in an attempt to subjugate and divide like-minded people. If women and trans people who have a lot in common are too busy fighting, they will fail to destroy the power structure that caused their oppression, as they both suffer under the same system of oppression. Secondly, debate is not the way to eliminate transphobia. . Arguing a belief implies that it is valid, transphobia is not valid. The debate provides a platform to repeat and spread transphobia. Evidence has shown that repeating lies and false beliefs only affirms that belief, no matter how strong the opposition is in the debate, such as QAnon. The debate has caused the mess we find ourselves in; we must debunk and educate. Because it is only through education that we can foster respect and acceptance. Zero tolerance towards these bigoted beliefs is the only way to ensure that bigotry does not spread. If people are not willing to listen and be educated about trans liberation, then they must be cast out, the same way we cast out racists, anti-Semites, and other bigots. If they have reached the point of not listening and will not change their minds, then we must send the message that their beliefs are no longer conducive to a civil and welcoming society. Ultimately, we as allies are failing trans people. Especially in how we interact with transphobic individuals. An example of this is the hashtag phrase trans women are women, which while a great rallying cry is a factual statement, but creates a space where transphobic individuals can respond in bad faith with the typical question “What is a woman" and so on. . Let's answer this question, the only way to answer it is to dismantle it. Because the reality of the human experience is that no one knows what it means to be a woman. Femininity and femininity are entirely subjective, each person will have an answer, 2007.