In a groundbreaking move, 142 organizations from around the world have united behind a transfeminist manifesto, emphasizing solidarity and equality for all. This collective effort, spearheaded by Transgender Europe and Central Asia (TGEU), the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), and the European Network Against Racism (ENAR), marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and combating systemic oppression.
The manifesto, part of TGEU’s ‘In This Together: Transfeminist Solidarity’ campaign, funded by the European Union, calls for a united front against threats to fundamental freedoms. It underscores the importance of recognizing the interconnected struggles of misogyny, transmisogyny, transphobia, racism, and xenophobia, which often intersect in harmful ways.
Key Principles of the Transfeminist Manifesto
The manifesto outlines five key principles aimed at guiding feminist movements towards a more inclusive future:
- Solidarity-Based Future Taking action towards a transfeminist future that prioritizes solidarity.
- Inclusion of Trans People Recognizing that trans people are integral to the feminist movement.
- Interdependence Emphasizing the interdependence of all marginalized groups.
- Intersectionality Centering intersectionality to address the diverse experiences of oppression.
- Solidarity Over Neutrality Choosing solidarity over neutrality in the fight for equality.
The manifesto serves as a call to action for feminists worldwide to defend shared principles of equality, human rights, and equal protections for everyone. It also includes a companion document, ‘In This Together: Strategic Messaging to Build Transfeminist Solidarity,’ which provides practical guidance and insights into the research behind the manifesto.
The Importance of Transfeminist Solidarity
Historically, trans people have often been excluded from feminist movements, a trend exemplified by the rise of Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist (TERF) movements. The transfeminist manifesto aims to bridge this divide by fostering a more inclusive and united approach to feminism.
‘Feminist movements must act as a united front against threats to our fundamental freedoms, fighting together for human rights principles, justice, and equality,’ the manifesto states. ‘We call on feminists, in all our diversity, to act together and defend the shared principles that have always driven our collective fight: equality, human rights, and equal protections for everyone.’
Condemning Exclusionary Practices
TGEU has been vocal in its condemnation of exclusionary practices, such as the UK Supreme Court ruling in, which determined that ‘sex’ under the Equality Act refers to biological sex rather than gender identity. This ruling has significant implications for trans people, particularly in the context of single-sex spaces.
Following the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s final Code of Practice on single-sex spaces, TGEU expressed concerns about the potential for cruel and inhumane assessments and outcomes. ‘The Code will lead to cruel and inhumane assessments and outcomes not only for trans people who may be outed without their consent but also for all gender non-conforming people,’ TGEU stated. They also questioned how trans and intersex people traveling to the UK could feel secure in using services without facing disrespect and indignity.
This collective effort by 142 organizations represents a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable future. By emphasizing solidarity and equality, the transfeminist manifesto aims to create a world where no one is left behind.
