In a powerful act that underscores solidarity, nearly 10,000 cisgender women in Britain are standing up against transphobia, making it clear that they refuse divisive narratives disguised as protective measures. With their support behind a new petition called “Not In Our Name,” these women are making their voices heard: they don't consider transgender women a threat.
### Questioning trans-exclusion
Launched on May 26, this petition directly challenges claims that trans women need exclusion from spaces shared with cis women. Garnering more than 9,600 signatures, it underscores a fundamental belief: it isn't trans women but rather those cisgender men who misuse their power who are a concern. As articulated by those who signed, “Throughout our lives, we've faced harassment, discrimination, violence, and more—from childhood harassment and workplace bias, domestic abuse, and assaults, right through being ignored in boardrooms and unjustly blamed. We know all too well what real threats look like.”
### Critiquing institutional bias
Some argue that single-sex spaces should restrict access only based on birth gender, supposedly ensuring safety. But, within this petition, signatories highlight how there isn't solid evidence backing these claims. Institutions, like Britain‘s own EHRC, have even suggested that trans people carry ID cards justifying access, a stance this petition fiercely criticizes as unfair. Comments from high-profile individuals like Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have added fuel, especially after his April remark questioning whether transgender women can be considered “real women.”
### Bringing attention with statistics
The petition also presents hard data like findings from 2023's Femicide Census, which notes that in Britain, a woman loses her life at a man‘s hands every three days. Such statistics reinforce that while cisgender men are frequently implicated in violence against women, transgender individuals are not a notable threat. It calls out politicians and media, who sometimes appear more interested in shifting focus towards trans issues rather than confronting male violence head-on, saying, “Scapegoating trans women isn't a real answer. Enough false feminism that abandons vulnerable women.”
### Solidarity speaks
The petition has prompted many signers, such as Trish from Surrey, who stated her dismay over even needing such a petition. “Trans women aren't anyone‘s threat,” she shared empathetically. Similarly, Anna from Derbyshire emphasized her own experiences with harassment from cisgender men, noting that trans women often face even more significant risks.
### Global view on violence against trans people
Highlighting a global perspective, statistics within this petition reveal that over 5,000 trans individuals have been murdered worldwide between 2008 and 2024. The UK alone saw 145,214 hate crimes against trans people from 2022 through 2023. The petition forcefully declares, “How can any society that claims it values human life stand by this?” It sheds light on how basic rights like healthcare, housing, and employment are systematically denied.
### The real danger
In wrapping up, this petition drives home an unshakeable truth: “The true threat women face has never been about trans women seeking dignity in their lives. The threat remains what it has always been: a culture that enables male violence and blames anyone else.”
Join in on this conversation, and let your thoughts be known below. Let's keep our exchanges respectful and considerate.
