Columns

Why are some LGBT against gay marriage? Some of them commented on my Facebook red equals sign DP saying they didn’t like it.

The Facebook “paint the town red” marriage equality thing was a Human Rights Campaign initiative, which is why your more sceptical liberal might not be on board. The HRC has a history of trans* exclusion and erasure of racial justice issues. The push for marriage equality is, for many members, the last big step before their white, cis-bodied selves can feel like fully-integrated members of society.

Queer critics of marriage equality aren’t usually against “gay marriage”. Rather, they are against the institution of marriage as a whole, or realists who say that the ability to marry won’t stop prejudice against LGBTQ+.

Who are these FEMEN people and why are Muslim ladies so angry at them?

FEMEN is a Ukranian feminist protest group notorious for topless demonstrations. They have also produced images of their members with chainsaws pointed at the bloody head of Vladimir Putin. Recently, they’ve taken a stance against Islam and Sharia Law by promoting a “Topless Jihad Day” (you’ve probably seen a picture or two by now). The reason some Muslims are being vocal about this is that they don’t like being told what to do with their clothes and their bodies by strangers. “Muslimah Pride Day” has been launched in response, where ladies are asked to post pictures of themselves just like FEMEN’s group, but instead wearing whatever they feel like. These Muslimahs say they don’t need FEMEN to speak for them, and I think that’s the root of the anger here: FEMEN is giving off a really weird air of Western superiority.

So you’re a feminist but you support transgender rights and stuff? I thought you were supposed to hate transwomen?

No! Some extreme radfems say awful things about transwomen “invading” the female sphere, but on the whole most feminists are pretty trans* inclusive. I could be basing this on the feminists I have met, though, and I tend to move in pro-LGBTQ circles. But yeah, any hate toward transwomen by feminists – which I have seen, though rarely – is unjustified IMO. It flies in the face of gender equality and shows an ignorance which is pretty unforgivable from an activist.

Instead of preaching some final words at you this time, I want to suggest reading up on controversial news topics. Don’t blindly accept Facebook statuses on current affairs! Question everything! Even the “good guys” don’t always get it right.