By Abi Watkinson
Through the murky sludge of confusion surrounding the pandemic, identity politics has shone to the forefront of popular consciousness: encouraging both an individual and systematic re-evaluation of belief. But it’s a difficult topic to discuss. The explosiveness with which these stories arise often assumes an equally fast response, leaving little room for considered points of action, and little opportunity to become educated about the issue. Studies estimate that around 60% of us re-post headlines without reading the article: and certainly amongst my liberal peers, this is often to publicly cement themselves as ‘woke’ before anyone can light their torches and begin the ‘cancelling’ witch hunt. Even with the best intentions for social justice, which I whole-heartedly believe most of us have, this is not a constructive system. ‘Blind wokeness’ is equivalent to ignorance, and without information we can’t hope to enforce systemic change and are powerless against the tidal repetition of history.
The statements made by J K Rowling in June highlighted the contrasting beliefs surrounding the transgender community, specifically what it means to be a trans woman. Rowling argued that to accept trans women as women undermines the misogyny that cis women face, whilst maintaining that she is a trans ally. Rather than blocking Rowling from my newsfeed, I decided to interview one of my smartest friends, Charley: who also happens to be trans.
As a trans woman, do you think your experience differs from that of a cis woman, and if so, how?
C: Yes, I think that’s an inevitability, because a lot of trans women are still seen as male by most of the public until they’ve finished transition. Being in the middle of transitioning, I am the same. I am currently in the androgynous phase of that, so I still have to accept my privileges in that area as I do not yet experience some things that cis women experience daily. Although then there are many uniquely trans experiences I have that cis women don’t have, to do with my identity and transitioning struggles and the pressure of gender conformity and, unfortunately, transphobia. Obviously, as one transitions further, if one chooses to, their experiences will become more congruous with the experiences of cis women.
How does one be a good ally?
C: I think a good ally is simply someone who supports trans people as the people they really are. Trans women are just women, trans men are just men, and the best ally makes it clear that that is what they really think, by treating them just like they would treat a cis woman or cis man. That’s the most important thing one must do. Of course, sticking up for trans people in the face of transphobia and encouraging those early in transition to continue along the path towards being true to themselves is extremely important too, but just to treat people who are trans as you would treat people who are cis is the most important, because that is the case. And the most empowering, because we are all the same.
In essence, Rowling’s comments suggest that trans people will always be ‘in the process of transitioning’, undermining the stage at which trans people complete their transition, whatever point that may be. One can’t hold such an opinion and be a true trans ally, regardless of whether they protest against transphobia.