Title
Critiquing Feminism: A Trans Man Perspective
Date
5-31-2018 3:45 PM
End Time
31-5-2018 4:00 PM
Location
WUC Calapooia Room
Session Chair
Dana Schowalter
Session Chair
Eimly Plec
Session Title
Communication Studies
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Dana Scholwalter
Abstract
Lack of inclusivity of men and transgender individuals has been prevalent in mainstream feminism, which has left the needs of transgender men unaddressed. The mainstream movement has debated whether men can be feminists or only profeminist, but more detailed discussions of men’s needs are largely ignored. More specifically, trans men who pass as men are ignored by feminists, in spite of overlapping reproductive and social needs. Trans men that pass may have some male privilege, but their identity opens them up to violence and their privilege can be negated by outings or produce anxiety. Men’s rights groups are often hypocritical in their desired social change, but there’s little space for paternal rights and other needs. Mainstream feminism largely limits gender equality to women, leaving the needs of anyone but cis woman unaddressed or out of the spotlight. I propose more mutual conservations and space to talk about issues that can destabilize hateful men’s rights groups, lessen social injustice, and promote gender equality for all genders.
Recommended Citation
DeRoest, Aiden, "Critiquing Feminism: A Trans Man Perspective" (2018). Academic Excellence Showcase Schedule. 148.
https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/aes_event/2018/all/148
Critiquing Feminism: A Trans Man Perspective
WUC Calapooia Room
Lack of inclusivity of men and transgender individuals has been prevalent in mainstream feminism, which has left the needs of transgender men unaddressed. The mainstream movement has debated whether men can be feminists or only profeminist, but more detailed discussions of men’s needs are largely ignored. More specifically, trans men who pass as men are ignored by feminists, in spite of overlapping reproductive and social needs. Trans men that pass may have some male privilege, but their identity opens them up to violence and their privilege can be negated by outings or produce anxiety. Men’s rights groups are often hypocritical in their desired social change, but there’s little space for paternal rights and other needs. Mainstream feminism largely limits gender equality to women, leaving the needs of anyone but cis woman unaddressed or out of the spotlight. I propose more mutual conservations and space to talk about issues that can destabilize hateful men’s rights groups, lessen social injustice, and promote gender equality for all genders.