Transmisogyny is a specific form of oppression that transgender women and transfeminine individuals face. It uniquely combines transphobia (prejudice, discrimination, and negative attitudes towards transgender people) and misogyny (hatred, contempt, or prejudice against women and femininity). This article spells out what it is, how insidious it can be, and reflective questions to ask yourself to avoid being transmisogynistic.

Devaluation of Femininity

Put simply, transmisogyny builds on the foundations of sexism and misogyny. These ideas prioritise and legitimise maleness and masculinity, and, in a binary way, view femininity and femaleness as inferior and of less value. So at its core, transmisogyny often stems from the belief that femininity is inferior to masculinity. 

However, there are many reasons why someone assigned male at birth (AMAB) embraces womanhood or femininity. It can be because they have a deep knowing that's what's right for them, or they inherently feel and recognise themselves as trans or gender non-conforming or gender fluid, or it can be because they want to express that aspect of themselves in their presentation, personality, hobbies, religion, or way of life. This embracing or expressing of the feminine is then perceived as a rejection of a perceived "superior" male identity.

Intersectional Oppression 

Transmisogyny highlights how transphobia and misogyny intersect and compound each other. Transgender women are targeted not only for being transgender but also for expressing femininity in a society that devalues women and feminine traits. These two forms of oppression intertwine to create a distinct and intensified experience of discrimination that cannot be fully understood by looking at either transphobia or misogyny in isolation. 

Targeted at Trans Women and Transfeminine People

While transphobia can affect all transgender individuals, transmisogyny specifically focuses on those who are women or who express femininity, regardless of their gender identity. This can include non-binary individuals who present femininely.

What Does Transmisogyny Look Like?

Transmisogyny can show up in many ways, and can be direct or indirect, including:

Ridicule and Harassment: Trans women may be mocked for their appearance, clothing, or mannerisms, with insults often targeting both their gender identity and feminine expression.

Sexualisation and Objectification: Trans women are often hypersexualised, and their desire to transition may be falsely attributed to a desire to attract men, invalidating their gender identity.  

Violence: Trans women, particularly trans women of colour, experience disproportionately high rates of violence, which is often rooted in both transphobia and misogyny.  

Misgendering and Deadnaming: Intentionally using incorrect pronouns or a former name demonstrates a lack of respect for their gender identity and can be a form of transmisogynistic harassment.  

Exclusion from Women's Spaces: Trans women may be told they are not "real" women and excluded from spaces and communities that align with their gender identity.  

Challenging Authenticity: Their womanhood is often questioned, with demands for them to "prove" they are women or assumptions that their gender identity is a deception.  

Harmful Stereotypes in Media: Trans women are frequently portrayed in media through negative stereotypes that are both transphobic and misogynistic.  

Reflective Questions

I am not here to tell you what or how to think. However, I do acknowledge that it can be difficult to explore our prejudices and internal biases on our own. Here are fifteen questions to ask yourself to help you reflect on your own thoughts and beliefs. I invite you to take a moment to ponder each question and really reflect on your answers. 

1. Do I ever make assumptions about a transgender woman's personality, interests, or capabilities based on stereotypes about women or transgender people?
2. Do I find myself more critical of feminine expressions in individuals I perceive as "male-bodied" than in cisgender women?
3. Am I more likely to sexualise or objectify transgender women compared to cisgender women?
4. Do I ever question a transgender woman's authenticity as a woman based on her appearance, past, or medical history in ways I wouldn't question a cisgender woman?
5. Do I ever think that transgender women are "trying to be something they're not" in a way that implies femininity is inherently inauthentic for them?
6. Do I ever feel uncomfortable with transgender women in traditionally female spaces, and if so, is that discomfort rooted in concerns I wouldn't have about cisgender women?
7. Do I ever make jokes or comments that belittle transgender women or their femininity?
8. Do I find myself more sceptical of a transgender woman's motivations or intentions compared to a cisgender woman in similar situations?
9. Do I ever think that a transgender woman's transition is primarily about attracting men?
10. Am I more likely to focus on the physical bodies or transition status of transgender women than on their identities, achievements, or personalities?
11. Do I ever feel a need to distance myself from or negatively judge other people who are perceived as feminine, especially if they are also transgender or transfeminine? (This could indicate internalised transmisogyny if you are trans or transfeminine yourself).
12. Do I ever feel shame or discomfort about expressing femininity if I am transgender or transfeminine? (Another sign of internalised transmisogyny).
13. Do I find myself policing or judging the way other transgender women express their gender? (This can stem from internalised transmisogyny and a desire to conform to societal expectations).
14. Do I have a limited understanding of the diversity of gender expressions and identities beyond a strict male/female binary?
15. Do I think that there is a "right" or "wrong" way to be a woman, and do my expectations differ for transgender women?

In essence, transmisogyny creates a unique and heightened form of discrimination that significantly impacts the safety, well-being, and rights of transgender women and transfeminine people. Understanding this concept is crucial for advancing gender equality and combating prejudice against transgender individuals. Put simply, trans people deserve better. 

If this article has sparked reflection, you may be interested in reading more about the wider context of transmisogyny. Our piece on trans research by trans and non-binary scholars explores UK-based studies that illuminate the lived experiences of trans people, particularly in response to The Cass Review. Our article on psychotherapy and counselling for trans, non-binary, and gender questioning (TNBQ) people looks at what affirming therapy actually means and unpacks the challenges TNBQ clients can face in therapeutic spaces.