Transgender identity and new norms in the West - An analysis

In Western academic campuses, there is a big battle raging over transgender identity.

Transgender identity and new norms in the West - An analysis

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• Big battle on transgender identity: In Western academic campuses, there is a big battle raging over transgender identity. It is spilling over to physical threats, exclusions of some speakers from events, and legal battles.
• The two viewpoints: The two viewpoints are 'transgender dogma' and 'gender-critical' viewpoint.

1. Transgender dogma - It started from the US and has spread. It says that gender identity is very important. It's the feeling that one is either a man or a woman, and trans people must always be regarded as the gender with which they identify. That will mean that spaces reserved for women (in sports teams, prisons, victim shelters) will allow trans women.
2. Gender-criticial - This was the mainstream view some time ago. It says that since biological sex is unchangeable (even with hormones, surgery or other treatment), the conviction that one is born in the wrong body should not be dispositive (= something that settles an issue). So biological differences between the sexes make the continued provision of female-only spaces necessary. (Trans activists say trans women should have access to those places, as well, as they'd feel threatened in single-sex places)

• Complex situation: Clearly, arguments of both sides create a complex situation, but trans activists consider any debate (or disagreement) nothing but hate speech, and suppress it. At times, it can get ridiculous.

1. Some academicians who have objected to 'gender ideology' i.e. the view that gender identity should trump biology, were removed from their jobs.
2. Some who objected to the conflation of sex and gender identity in new anti-discrimination laws were removed too.
3. All this has created a culture of fear, where people prefer to remain silent. Legally though, to say that "trans women are not women" is not hate speech, nor illegal in British law.

• How America is different: Free speech concerns focus more on racial sensitivities, and gender-critical views are rarely expressed freely. US has no federal law to protect trans (or gay) people from discrimination, so LGBT activism matters a lot. And then, the political polarisation of US makes it tough to debate such issues. Trans activists may portray gender criticism as a far-right cause.  (In Britain, most gender critical ones are left-leaning, atheist feminists)
• Main concern: All they worry about is preservation of female-only spaces. They say that when such spaces are shared with trans-women, there's discomfort (though no assault). But they are then opposed vehemently on campuses. Those who oppose are the ones who want to foster liberal ideas!
• Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme: In Britain, most universities have joined this scheme, and are pushing new norms that may not be in sync with actual British law! The universities may end up indirectly discriminating against women. Actually, pressure groups created to protect gay rights have now moved into trans-rights debates. Many gay people disagree with this new focus, and claim that this stance forces gay people to redefine themselves as trans (and straight) to form the LGB Alliance.
• Summary: The gender-critical speakers are facing the heat. They are the ones who say that trans-women are not women (and so must not get access to women's only spaces). Perhaps better legal clarity will help.
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) The raging battle in Western campuses between 'transgender dogma' and 'gender critical approach' is now impinging on free speech rights. Explain what this is about. (2) Often, those who demand new rights and a more liberal approach, are the ones who get rigid on denying others the freedom to critique them. Explain this with reference to the gender-critical battle going on in Western campuses. (3) Free speech is not absolute. Explain this idea and its importance, in the context of the debate over 'transgender dogma' versus 'gender criticality'.

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