Transgenderism and Feminism Essay -- essays research papers

Judith Halberstam’s lecture focused on the issues regarding transgenderism/transsexualism, feminism/trans feminism (FTM), and the relationships between them. The lecture mainly addressed the necessity of trans feminism and reasons for its absence in the present queer and feminist communities. Trans feminism is necessary for all trans individuals. Leaving femininity behind creates a problem for FTMs. Growing up; they were subject to the same challenges that other young women faced. In fact, they most likely still do face obstacles on top of the challenges that come with not fitting in a â€Å"socially proper† category of gender. As Sandy Stone put in her essay, MTFs need feminism for the transition, to recognize the privileges that come with being born male and living as a man, that they don’t have now but had at some point in their lives. If they get rid of feminism, then their transition can be attributed to an inherent misogyny. Feminists also need to recognize that transgenderism/transsexualism and feminism are not necessarily odds. Feminism needs the inclusion and the support of all genders. Feminists need to have conversations with trans individuals in order to expand their movement. The necessary first step to take is to be inclusive, allow both transmen and transwomen be a part of all women’s events. Michigan Women’s Music Festival is the most mentioned event that this problem arises. The â€Å"womyn born womyn† requirement to attend the festival is bluntly another way of sa...