Thread by @VABVOX

I was locked out of my account by Twitter for a day for describing the difference between #FGM and male circumcision. I chose to remove the tweets as well as appeal, but honestly, this is men mass reporting women for telling the stories of our lives.
1/
theguardian.com/society/2016/f…

#FGM is a brutal crime against girls and women that can kill them or leave them harmed for life. I covered this story up close when I lived in London and I have been privileged to meet many survivor activists. I am appalled that Twitter doesn't recognize their error here.
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The World Health Organization/@WHO calls #FGM "a violation of the human rights of girls and women."
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who.int/news-room/fact…

This is the beautiful and brilliant Dr. @LeylaHussein, one of many #FGM survivors I have talked to over the years, telling her story. Expect to weep for the young Leyla as you listen.
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FGM Survivor: Leyla Hussein's Story via @YouTube

Twitter really MUST do better by women on this site.
Some of us are here to educate others about issues they know nothing about, but which harm women and girls every day.
#FGM is one of those issues. I should never have been locked by Twitter for discussing it.
5/

I would add that #FGM brutalizes girls to make them "pure" for men and is about controlling female sexuality. It is a crime committed mostly against black and brown women. So when Twitter objects to this, they are also supporting a fundamentally misogynist & racist practice. 6/

Concerns about male circumcision certainly have merit, but are not the same discourse. Again, men are the ones doing this to boys. Male religious and cultural leaders. Take it up with them. Address the people at fault, which is not anti-#FGM feminists & activists.
Thanks. 🌿 7/