The Terf vs trans-activist idealogical dispute seems to be intensifying and it's absolutely fascinating to me. I'm not really sure where I stand....I tend to side with the terfs in certain parts of the debate but also recognize that alot of the anti-trans rhetoric amongst TERFS is mean-spirited, cruel and abusive. And beware of this issue virtue-signallers....it's gonna be tough to pick a side here. I find this issue to be a good litmus test in the sincerity of intellectual observers nowadays because it doesn't provide a convenient fall-back position. Every position one can take on this debate can be characterized as either transphobic or sexist...so alot of those who are simply interested in appearing to be woke quietly sit this one out. Ultimately, I think this debate is proof of the logical incoherence of intersectional theory...but I'm still working on that.

http://www.dailywire.com/news/21042/watch-trans-activist-men-attack-beat-dissenting-60-amanda-prestigiacomo

I think Dailywire is a pretty biased source but provides a decent enough account of the events for all intents and purposes here. The footage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL26jtQXSJw

If you're not familiar with the trans vs TERF debate here's some historical context:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_views_on_transgender_and_transsexual_people

And a pretty good summation of the debate from the new yorker:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/08/04/woman-2

Apparently....'punch a terf' has become a meme/slogan for trans activists in reference to the 'punch a nazi' thing. And of course terfs have been compared to the alt-right, facists and nazis lol. More on that here:

http://transadvocate.com/you-might-be-a-terf-if_n_10226.htm

So getting back to what transpired at the protest....I've been trying to question my own starting position on some of the distinctions that terfs make between trans women and born women. For example....I don't think that being a trans women alleviates you from the rule of 'men should not hit women except for extreme circumstances'. I'm sorry....but if I witness a trans woman beating up a 60 year old born woman.....I'm physically intervening and I'm going to treat that trans woman as a male. More clearly, I'm fighting them like I would a man...all out. To sum up, it occured to me that I have an underlying assumption that the taboo and stigma we treat men who are violent towards women with should also apply to trans women. I would guess that most agree with me on that.

So I tried to break myself down regarding that. As an observer...should we treat the trans-woman who has initiated a physical attack like a man or like a woman? I tried to rationalize my position by saying 'even though she identifies as a woman....she has the testosterone and physical capabilities of a man'. But this doesn't really hold up under scrutiny. If it's a matter of fairness...then gender shouldn't be the only factor. A large, strong woman can have a greater capacity for violence than a small, weak man. But the rule I've been raised with was 'men shouldn't hit woman'. Not 'men shouldn't hit women WHEN they are stronger than them'. It's not ok to hit large, strong women so my rationalization can't rest on testosterone and physical capabilities alone. I'm not prepared to abandon the 'men shouldn't hit women' rule but I have to admit that I can't really justify the rule with any cohesive rational argument. Moving on.....

The speaker that the trans activists were protesting is Miranda Yardley who identifies as a trans female herself. (If you're getting confused....yes, the trans-activists are protesting a trans-speaker who I would assume they characterize as self-hating) She believes that trans woman should NOT be seen as 'real woman' because of distinctions like noted above. A couple quick examples....trans women should be held to the same rule of not hitting cis woman just like men are. Trans women should not be allowed to compete in women's wrestling or other sports. Trans women should not be allowed to use female washrooms. These are pretty prototypical TERF positions and that's what the trans protesters were fighting against.

It's been a great pleasure to discover Miranda's work. This article gives a quick summary of WHAT she was speaking about...why the trans-activists were protesting her....and a reaction to the assault that took place:

http://mirandayardley.com/en/this-is-an-all-out-political-war-the-gender-recognition-act-and-beyond/

I highly recommend checking out her other stuff too. Just discovered her tonight so I'm still taking her views in...but she's definitely an intriguing voice:

http://mirandayardley.com/en/

I also came across this blog by 'Sister Outrider' which I thought was interesting. Somewhat cringeworthy in parts (what kind of knots do we have to tie ourselves into to blame this particular assault on the patriarchy? lol)...but definitely worth a read:

https://sisteroutrider.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/punch-a-terf-rhetoric-encourages-violence-against-women/

And here is another voice from a feminist who initially bought into the TERF hate but has since reconsidered:

http://www.feministcurrent.com/2015/11/10/why-i-no-longer-hate-terfs/

I haven't really offered up a good defence on the trans-activist side but to be honest....I couldn't find one lol. I certainly welcome any suggestions and will throw up anything that I can find in the meantime.

A rabbit hole well worth the time of inquiry here. I think there are huge implications for all intersectional theories including crutucak race studies, the patriarchy and homophobia/cis gender normative hierarchies.