if you are a trans woman there are a few things that you need to understand. First of all is that you are still a man because you can't change your biological sex. It's okay to dress any way you wish and to adopt any superficial, stereotypical attributes of women that you desire. Live your life. No one should care, I certainly don't. However, because women are entitled to be treated fairly and to enjoy privacy from men there are certain things that are prohibited to you and me because we are men. You can't compete against women in most sports because it would be unfair. You can't go into women's private places like restrooms and locker rooms because that would make them feel unsafe. Finally, if you are a criminal you certainly can't be imprisoned with women.
Of course I agree with all this, but I will suggest that "trans woman" is not a valid phrase. A man who falsely believes himself to be a woman is not, in truth, any kind of "woman", no matter what modifying adjective is appended to the noun.
Language is important, and the transifiers are masters of it. I resist their sophistry always. "A man who falsely believes himself to be a woman" is long and unwieldy, but expresses the truth.
Let me ask a question: what should a reader of this do, concretely - a letter to Gavin? Local news? I’m bright but in this realm I don’t know what persuasive activism would look like and humbly ask for guidance. This particular note set me on edge.
If you are in California or another blue state with similar policy: letters to your state Representative and Senator to express your dismay about this policy. If they hold a "town hall" or similar meeting you can go to, and ask them (if they are Democrats) why they support men in women's prisons. If they are Republicans, ask them to make this a campaign issue.
Democrats are supporting this! Shame on them!!!
if you are a trans woman there are a few things that you need to understand. First of all is that you are still a man because you can't change your biological sex. It's okay to dress any way you wish and to adopt any superficial, stereotypical attributes of women that you desire. Live your life. No one should care, I certainly don't. However, because women are entitled to be treated fairly and to enjoy privacy from men there are certain things that are prohibited to you and me because we are men. You can't compete against women in most sports because it would be unfair. You can't go into women's private places like restrooms and locker rooms because that would make them feel unsafe. Finally, if you are a criminal you certainly can't be imprisoned with women.
That's it, just like me.
Of course I agree with all this, but I will suggest that "trans woman" is not a valid phrase. A man who falsely believes himself to be a woman is not, in truth, any kind of "woman", no matter what modifying adjective is appended to the noun.
Language is important, and the transifiers are masters of it. I resist their sophistry always. "A man who falsely believes himself to be a woman" is long and unwieldy, but expresses the truth.
"Trans-identified male" is the phrase I've heard that seems to do the best job.
Let me ask a question: what should a reader of this do, concretely - a letter to Gavin? Local news? I’m bright but in this realm I don’t know what persuasive activism would look like and humbly ask for guidance. This particular note set me on edge.
If you are in California or another blue state with similar policy: letters to your state Representative and Senator to express your dismay about this policy. If they hold a "town hall" or similar meeting you can go to, and ask them (if they are Democrats) why they support men in women's prisons. If they are Republicans, ask them to make this a campaign issue.