The women’s march was by almost all indicators a success. Hundreds of thousands of people marched peacefully in cities across the country, numbers that far exceeded expected turnout. But there are some on the left who think the entire motif of the march was transphobic.
Since many women wore “pussy” hats and many of the signs at the protest referenced pussies, some believe this promoted “cisnormativity,” or the idea that women are supposed to have vaginas. Connecting the concepts of vaginas and women excludes trans women who do not have vaginas.
I think part of my issue with the pussy-centric protest language is the assumption that uteruses are the only oppressed genitalia.
— Katelyn Burns (@transscribe) January 21, 2017
Wow, titty and vagina-centric feminism. If this some kind of millennial feminist continuation of the 2nd wave, lemme hop off it right quick. https://t.co/ICQsePqzhT
— Zoé Samudzi (@ztsamudzi) January 21, 2017
Some on social media also took aim at references to menstruation, saying that it does not define womanhood.
From the Women's March. Enough with the TERF bullshit. Vaginas and menstruation do not define womanhood. pic.twitter.com/b3XcHUvzAX
— Controversial Tay (@MissTayAmari) January 22, 2017
The many signs referencing being grabbed by the pussy and saying “pussy grabs back” also irked some people.
#WomensMarch please remember that not all women "can be grabbed by the pussy" make sure to include our trans sisters on this important day
— Hailey Howard (@holybuttshailey) January 22, 2017
Just goes to show you: Even the biggest feminist protest in U.S. history can still offend social justice warriors.
