In today’s polarized cultural climate, it can sometimes feel like the gap between transgender rights and feminist values is widening. Headlines pit trans women against cis women. Social media argues in bad faith. Political actors weaponize feminism to justify anti-trans legislation. But here’s the truth: trans rights are not a threat to feminism. In fact, trans rights are a litmus test for feminism’s true strength and inclusivity.
This article is written for both transgender individuals seeking solidarity and cisgender feminists looking to understand how our struggles align. The goal isn’t to argue anyone into agreement, it’s to extend a hand, share context, and build a better foundation for coalition and care.
Shared Origins: Feminism and Trans Liberation Come From the Same Fight
Feminism, at its core, is about dismantling patriarchal systems that restrict people based on gender. Trans liberation fights those very same systems. Whether it’s gender roles, reproductive control, economic inequality, or bodily autonomy, both movements are fighting the same monster with different heads.
Trans women, like cis women, are subject to misogyny. Trans men and nonbinary people often suffer from gender policing and erasure in ways deeply connected to the same patriarchal structures that feminism was built to challenge.
When the systems that police gender are dismantled, everyone benefits.
Why Some Feminists Feel Cautious And Why That Matters
It would be unfair to ignore that some feminists feel hesitation or confusion around certain aspects of trans rights. That doesn’t always mean they’re hostile. In many cases, it means they’ve been exposed to misleading narratives or haven’t had the chance to speak with trans people directly.
Concerns about safety in women’s spaces, fairness in sports, or the use of inclusive language like “pregnant people” aren’t inherently rooted in hatred. They’re often born from fear or misinformation.
Instead of shutting down conversation, we should welcome it. This is our chance to explain what trans lives actually look like, how feminist values align with trans inclusion, and how no one is being erased.
The Same Laws That Hurt Us Hurt You
In the United States, the same lawmakers trying to ban gender-affirming care are pushing for abortion bans, defunding sexual health education, and restricting access to birth control. They don’t differentiate between trans people and cis women. To them, anyone who challenges traditional gender roles is a threat.
That’s why we need each other. If you believe in a person’s right to bodily autonomy, to live free from violence, and to define their identity for themselves, you already believe in the core of trans rights. Feminism that doesn’t include trans people leaves the door open for those who want to undermine all gender-based progress.
Real Trans Women. Real Feminism. Real Lives.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you only see trans issues through headlines or cherry-picked Twitter drama. But beyond the noise, real trans women are living feminist lives every day:
- A trans woman midwife providing prenatal care and advocating for maternal health.
- A trans woman running for office to expand women’s safety programs.
- A trans woman survivor working in a shelter for domestic violence victims.
These women are not theoretical threats. They are your colleagues, your neighbors, and your fellow organizers. They believe in women’s dignity, equality, and safety because those are their needs too.
Addressing Common Concerns With Compassion and Context
- Women’s Spaces: Trans women use women’s spaces to escape violence, not cause it. Data consistently shows trans people are more likely to be victimized in bathrooms and shelters, not perpetrators. Feminist spaces should be safe for all women, cis and trans alike.
- Sports: This is one of the most complicated and emotionally charged topics. But here’s the truth: most trans people in sports aren’t trying to dominate or win at all costs. They’re trying to belong. In youth sports especially, inclusion is about mental health, identity development, and community.
- Language like “pregnant people”: This isn’t about erasing women. It’s about acknowledging that not everyone who gives birth identifies as a woman and making sure no one gets left out of healthcare policy. You can still say “women” proudly. We just ask for space beside you.
Trans Feminism Is Real Feminism
Trans people aren’t borrowing feminism. We’re contributing to it. When we talk about gender justice, we’re expanding the definition of what freedom from gender oppression can look like. Trans feminism recognizes:
- That womanhood isn’t a monolith.
- That gender-based violence affects many bodies in many forms.
- That liberation means all of us, or none of us.
You don’t have to be trans to benefit from trans feminism. You just have to be willing to listen, and grow.
Building Coalitions That Don’t Leave Anyone Behind
This is the moment to reject division and embrace coalition. TERFs and far-right extremists want cis and trans women to distrust each other. They rely on fear, misinformation, and isolation.
We don’t have to fall for it.
Instead, we can:
- Uplift feminist campaigns that include trans women.
- Protect reproductive and gender-affirming care together.
- Support survivors of all genders with trauma-informed policies.
- Push for inclusive education that centers consent, bodily autonomy, and diverse identities.
This isn’t about erasing difference. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with all women and with anyone targeted for defying gender rules.
The Bottom Line
Trans people aren’t asking to be included despite who we are. We’re asking to be included because who we are proves how powerful feminism can be.
We’re what happens when gender doesn’t win. When the system fails to contain us. When the binary cracks and something brave breaks through.
To every feminist reading this: you are not our enemy.
To every trans person: you do not have to prove your womanhood to earn solidarity.
Let’s not let those who thrive on our division win. We can grow something better if we do it together.
