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Event Summary: The Violence of Empire: Anti-Trans Activism Online in the US and UK
Today, Dr. Anna Meier examined the rise of online anti-trans activism. Dr. Meier used a postcolonial approach to unpack the narratives of transmisogyny and transphobia in online spaces, situating these phenomena within the broader context of colonial power dynamics.
Key Themes Discussed:
- Erasure of Trans Identities: Dr. Meier explored how far-right communities actively work to erase trans identities, with a specific focus on the marginalization of transmasculine and nonbinary people. She highlighted how much of the online discourse fixates on trans women, reflecting colonial-era gender constructs that deem femininity inferior. This erasure serves to uphold harmful stereotypes that invalidate the identities of trans people, particularly trans men, and enforce a rigid gender binary.
- Intersection with Other Forms of Discrimination: The webinar delved into the interconnected nature of transmisogyny and other forms of discrimination, such as racism, antisemitism, and homophobia. Dr. Meier showed how transmisogyny is not a standalone form of hate but is deeply tied to colonial logics that promote white supremacy. She emphasized that these narratives often coalesce in the wake of violent attacks, reinforcing far-right ideologies and enabling the continued marginalization of trans people.
Dr. Meier’s analysis focused on two key case studies: the Bratislava shooting in 2022 and the Nashville shooting in 2023. In their examination, Meier and her collaborators found that far-right narratives frequently depict trans people as inherently dangerous, using conspiracy theories and colonial stereotypes to portray them as threats to social order and dehumanize them. This deliberate vilification serves to justify discrimination and violence against trans individuals.
Dr. Meier concluded that understanding and countering anti-trans activism requires an acknowledgment of its roots in colonial power structures and gendered violence.