TBTN ... and trans women?

Dear Take Back the Night Organizers,

I was at TBTN this year and have been many years in the past – I believe this was my seventh. TBTN is an important event and I thank you for organizing it. For many women it can be an empowering event where they can stand up and feel safe on streets where harassment may be an issue they face on a regular basis. A few years ago I was asked to speak on the plight of trans-women as well as trans inclusion in the women’s community. It is partially due to this experience that I feel the need to write this letter.

At the rally before the march it was asked why we were here being, “to stop violence against women.” Afterwards a small group yelled, “...and trans women!” Now I have to say I’m fairly well connected with trans women in Ottawa and from talking to others whom knew the group none of the group were trans women. I certainly don’t expect the organizers to control what people chant or yell nor, am I sure if any organizers were involved or not let alone heard what was yelled and then clapped to by those around however, I would like to explain the problem in that exclamation.

By stating “...and trans women,” this puts in the implicit assumption that trans women are not included in the word “women.” This puts trans women as somehow other as somehow not fully women. Now certainly trans women and cis women have some different experiences, but this could be said of white women and women of colour or, working-class women and rich women or, straight women and queer women, women with disabilities and able-bodied women or women who have been involved in sex work and women in other professions. I am sure the list could go on greatly.

Certainly the statement was said with the concept to be inclusive of trans women and to oppose experiences of violence against us. However, the statement only further marginalize a population whom many of which already would not feel comfortable about coming to TBTN due to the history of oppression by cis women towards trans women. This is a history where trans women’s voices become either excluded entirely or become unheard. This history is one of erasure or outright bigotry, most famously characterized by the women-born-women movement – which the term is problematic in and of itself as trans women were still born women just of a different sex.

I would like you to know that I appreciate all the wonderful work putting on TBTN you did, but I also felt this point needed to be addressed. Perhaps next year a trans woman’s voice needs to be heard again and, it should be stated that TBTN is for women of all identities, experiences and backgrounds. I know that I am welcome, even if I did experience transphobia at TBTN years ago, but other trans women should know this too without such a problematic statement.

Sincerely,
Jade Pichette

Sex Work is Real Work and Feminist

This week while I've been in away in Toronto the Women's Worlds 2011 conference has been going on in Ottawa. This is a major feminist conference where many women come together and discuss the needs and experiences of women. One of the major events that came out of this conference included a solidarity rally for the hundreds of missing Native women to support the Sisters in Spirit campaign. Given these important actions I cannot believe at how appaled I am to hear that sex workers were derided and verbally harassed at the conference.

Sex workers include people of all genders but have disproportionate numbers of cis and trans women. It is uncomprehensible to me women whom call themselves feminist who will then attack and insult the choices (some willing, some out of necessity) of women sex workers. Not all parts of the sex trade are pretty or consentual, but the vast majority is based on a women's choice. Isn't women having the right of choice what feminism is all about or have I somehow missed the true point which includes policing other women?

I am of the opinion that sex work is an important part of our society and should be honoured as a sacred act or at least as a legitimate profession. If you don't like sex work then fine, but the way you reduce it does not include harming other women it includes alleviating conditions of poverty, racism and transphobia that lead some women into sex work out of necessity. To any other feminists out there whom still disagree how would you feel if I took away your choice?

To all the others in Ottawa whom agree I suggest you find a way to support POWER (Prostitutes of Ottawa-Gatineau Work Educate & Resist).

EDIT: I would like to add that I was informed that the missing Native women's protest was boycotted by Families of Sisters in Spirit (which was the orignal group I was thinking of). This was due to the fact that only one family member was invited and overall Families of Sisters in Spirit were denied the right to speak. Amnesty and KAIROS joined the boycott as well. So this only proves further marginalization of women's voices at this conference.