Towards trans-feminist coalitions in the post-Yugoslav space: Building feminist radical solidarities

Abstract

The conflict between trans-inclusive and trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs) has recently erupted in the post-Yugoslav space, adding to the urgency of embracing trans-feminism. In order to forge the ground for such a feminist orientation, this paper interweaves two theoretical reflections: the subject of feminism, and the historical lesbian experience of becoming ‘included’ with/in it. Beginning with the idea that, similarly to trans, it also took time and effort for lesbianity (see discussion on this concept in the article) to be recognised as a ‘legitimate’ subject of feminist emancipation, I extend Wittig's negation of lesbian womanhood to trans women. With this in mind, I argue that feminist radical solidarity requires an open-ended, liminal conception of gender. I then draw upon nine interviews with predominantly cis-gender lesbian activists from the post-Yugoslav space to explore the ways in which they endeavoured to bring about feminist radical solidarity in their activist engagement. I conclude that solidarity rather than normative inclusion that we, lesbians, fought for as feminists, should eventually be put at the service of trans-feminism. Like that, trans-feminism can become an integral part of women studies, trans women can be recognised as subjects of feminism, and trans persons embraced as our political and personal allies.

Inclusive Education Strategies for Knowledge Development of Teachers Enrolled in the Advanced Vocational and Training Education Program

“…There seems to be a contention that the right to inclusion is not as straightforward as there are others who argue that exclusion is the same as discrimination and segregation, which might arise from sexism or racism (Pan, 2022). This approach when comparison is done between social and medical models promote inclusion as comparable to those who challenge segregation policies and racist discrimination.…”

How to tell your story as the story of my feminism: Notes towards solidarity

“…In line with the Open Forum papers in this issue, I also want to acknowledge the role of trans-feminism in these debates and to draw attention to the importance of keeping ‘an open-ended, liminal conception of gender’ (Pan, 2023: 131) when talking about feminism and solidarity. Reflecting on the urgency of embracing trans-feminism in the face of the ongoing conflict between trans-inclusive and trans-exclusionary radical feminists, Maja Pan argues in the first article of this issue that it is only through connecting feminist solidarity and trans identities that ‘trans women can be recognised as subjects of feminism’ (Pan, 2023: 131). Hence, feminist radical solidarity needs to go beyond normative inclusion.…”

Where is the T* in European Journal of Women’s Studies?

“…Much ink and make-up has been spilled trying to both unpack and counter new and old forms of trans-exclusionary radical feminism and what is sometimes called ‘gender-critical’ feminism (cf. Bassi and LaFleur, 2022; Franklin, 2022; Pan, 2022; Pearce et al, 2019; Tudor, 2021; Vincent et al, 2020, among others). As Nay and Steinbock (2021: 146) note in their introduction to a recent special issue of Transgender Studies Quarterly , Europe in the early 2020s is shaped by a ‘toxic brew of populism, xenophobia, fundamentalist Christianity, and trans exclusionary radical feminism (TERF)’ that ‘has the combining ingredient of devaluing all expressions of trans gender embodiment/ identification that becomes multiplied along the lines of oppressions based on race, class, religion, resident status/displacement, and disability.’ It is worth questioning whether this brew deserve to be called feminist at all and if so, we need to attend to how and why this brew leaves a bitter after-taste for so many of us.…”