Dear people who signed Harper's letter last week:
I ask for a word. Will you please let me speak?
I know your attention's worth far more than mine,
So I wrote you a poem, and won't waste a line.
#ThatLetter
harpers.org/a-letter-on-ju…
I ask for a word. Will you please let me speak?
I know your attention's worth far more than mine,
So I wrote you a poem, and won't waste a line.
#ThatLetter
harpers.org/a-letter-on-ju…
The blogosphere rings with think pieces, polemics,
And documentation revealing specifics.
Since others have outlined the steps of these dances,
My line of attack will be focused on transes.
And documentation revealing specifics.
Since others have outlined the steps of these dances,
My line of attack will be focused on transes.
Don't worry, I won't lose the bigger perspective.
The greater context is, in fact, my objective.
That Letter has problems no defense can fix:
It makes lots of perps out to look like they're vics.
gen.medium.com/amp/p/e840fa55…
The greater context is, in fact, my objective.
That Letter has problems no defense can fix:
It makes lots of perps out to look like they're vics.
gen.medium.com/amp/p/e840fa55…
Reactionaries ply their tactics amongst us,
Abusing terms coined to pursue social justice,
Projecting supremacy on to their targets
To muddy the waters of idea markets.
medium.com/@acvalens/free…
Abusing terms coined to pursue social justice,
Projecting supremacy on to their targets
To muddy the waters of idea markets.
medium.com/@acvalens/free…
These crude switcheroos can derail conversation
With stunningly rapid-fire articulation.
Their wrongness and speed make it hard to develop
A counterattack to the classic Gish Gallop.
rationalwiki.org/wiki/Gish_Gall…
With stunningly rapid-fire articulation.
Their wrongness and speed make it hard to develop
A counterattack to the classic Gish Gallop.
rationalwiki.org/wiki/Gish_Gall…
A Young-Earth Creationist, name of Duane Gish,
Would lie in debates against real scientists.
The audience soon felt their heads must be spinning
For want of the knowledge to tell who was winning.
Would lie in debates against real scientists.
The audience soon felt their heads must be spinning
For want of the knowledge to tell who was winning.
It's all the same crap from our friends, the transphobes
Who by now have blown our obstreperal lobes.
For how can you argue with someone who lies
And refuses to try other views on for size?
blog.iblamethepatriarchy.com/about-twisty/
Who by now have blown our obstreperal lobes.
For how can you argue with someone who lies
And refuses to try other views on for size?
blog.iblamethepatriarchy.com/about-twisty/
The transphobes all say, "We just have some concerns
For women & girls who society spurns.
The patriarchy is a man-made disaster!"
To this, I agree: let's dismantle it faster!
For women & girls who society spurns.
The patriarchy is a man-made disaster!"
To this, I agree: let's dismantle it faster!
It doesn't stop there, though - the transphobes insist
That I must be some kind of sicko rapist
Who wants to invade women's spaces, and likes
To "trans little girls" (to exterminate dykes).
fairplayforwomen.com/pronouns/
economist.com/open-future/20…
That I must be some kind of sicko rapist
Who wants to invade women's spaces, and likes
To "trans little girls" (to exterminate dykes).
fairplayforwomen.com/pronouns/
economist.com/open-future/20…
We've also enlisted - the transphobes continue -
The healthcare establishment, blood, bone, and sinew.
"The doctors don't care for their patients," they say.
"They only want sweet pharmaceutical pay."
The healthcare establishment, blood, bone, and sinew.
"The doctors don't care for their patients," they say.
"They only want sweet pharmaceutical pay."
This tinfoil-hattery is asinine,
But Young-Earth Creationists take the same line:
"The soul of our nation's endangered, and science
Is evil because it hates God (or vaginas)!"
But Young-Earth Creationists take the same line:
"The soul of our nation's endangered, and science
Is evil because it hates God (or vaginas)!"
Both transphobes and YECs try to sow public doubt
On whether researchers have figured it out.
Science ain't perfect, but it's more reliable
Than basing your worldview on only the Bible.
On whether researchers have figured it out.
Science ain't perfect, but it's more reliable
Than basing your worldview on only the Bible.
You see, right up front, God made woman & man.
These science-denying folks all Trust The Plan.
Like Q-Tips, they bend facts in painful contortions,
Then see a conspiracy in their distortions.
These science-denying folks all Trust The Plan.
Like Q-Tips, they bend facts in painful contortions,
Then see a conspiracy in their distortions.
We know better now than we did long ago:
Science says sex is a spectrum - but no!
The far right, religionists, transphobes, and others
Would veto this science, if they had their druthers.
Science says sex is a spectrum - but no!
The far right, religionists, transphobes, and others
Would veto this science, if they had their druthers.
Meet Ray Milton Blanchard - a scientist, yes,
But one who used methods that just weren't the best.
His two-type trans woman typology premise?
Gay male homophobes, and straight men with a fetish.
rationalwiki.org/wiki/Autogynep…
But one who used methods that just weren't the best.
His two-type trans woman typology premise?
Gay male homophobes, and straight men with a fetish.
rationalwiki.org/wiki/Autogynep…
This unfalsifiable garbage became
Embedded in every transphobic mindframe:
"Trans women are tricksters denying their nature,"
They taunt us, "You're just wearing woman-face, ain'tcher?"
Embedded in every transphobic mindframe:
"Trans women are tricksters denying their nature,"
They taunt us, "You're just wearing woman-face, ain'tcher?"
But Blanchard is bunk - better science says so.
He hasn't been struck from the lit'rature, though.
Despite this, new policies have been enacted,
Since generally, bad science isn't retracted.
He hasn't been struck from the lit'rature, though.
Despite this, new policies have been enacted,
Since generally, bad science isn't retracted.
It's kept on the record, so others can learn
Which methods pass muster, and which crash & burn.
Before his debunking, though, one Janice Raymond
Got US insurance denying trans claimants.
transadvocate.com/fact-checking-…
Which methods pass muster, and which crash & burn.
Before his debunking, though, one Janice Raymond
Got US insurance denying trans claimants.
transadvocate.com/fact-checking-…
Today, Blanchard serves as a transphobic source
In internet fights where, as matters of course,
Articulate arguments will not be heeded
If one guy says, "Maybe, but citation needed."
In internet fights where, as matters of course,
Articulate arguments will not be heeded
If one guy says, "Maybe, but citation needed."
A lay misconception of science now comes
From background to fore when you're fighting these bums.
They will not hear talk of Ray Blanchard's disgrace,
'Cuz all the info isn't in just one place!
From background to fore when you're fighting these bums.
They will not hear talk of Ray Blanchard's disgrace,
'Cuz all the info isn't in just one place!
You ever bring sources to internet fights?
Or corner opponents you've got dead to rights?
It just doesn't matter what logic you're bringing,
They handwave your sources and start the mudslinging.
Or corner opponents you've got dead to rights?
It just doesn't matter what logic you're bringing,
They handwave your sources and start the mudslinging.
Their views have been shown to be fragile and pallid,
But nevertheless, they say, "Trans folks aren't valid."
There is no avoiding such discourse stagnation,
Without rules enabling strong moderation.
theverge.com/2018/7/12/1756…
But nevertheless, they say, "Trans folks aren't valid."
There is no avoiding such discourse stagnation,
Without rules enabling strong moderation.
theverge.com/2018/7/12/1756…
To further disguise bigotry they've adopted,
They sneer at our sources and say they're coopted.
So gather your sources - no really, have fun!
Track down Blanchard's claims and debunk every one.
humanumreview.com/articles/the-t…
juliaserano.com/av/Serano-Case…
They sneer at our sources and say they're coopted.
So gather your sources - no really, have fun!
Track down Blanchard's claims and debunk every one.
humanumreview.com/articles/the-t…
juliaserano.com/av/Serano-Case…
Go back to your internet fight two weeks later,
Or start a file named "Trans Source Regurgitator."
Present all your research, you know what you'll hear?
Not "thanks," "neat," or "interesting" - just TL;DR.
Or start a file named "Trans Source Regurgitator."
Present all your research, you know what you'll hear?
Not "thanks," "neat," or "interesting" - just TL;DR.
Meanwhile, post-Blanchard, a bevy of science
Has built a foundation of QUILTBAG alliance.
There's no science basis for transphobic nonsense,
Yet transphobia is relentlessly constant.
reddit.com/r/lgbt/comment…
Has built a foundation of QUILTBAG alliance.
There's no science basis for transphobic nonsense,
Yet transphobia is relentlessly constant.
reddit.com/r/lgbt/comment…
We've seen from a study out in Massachusetts
That trans bathroom rights do not increase abuses.
The "fears" MassResistance cites when we're accosted,
They finally admitted, were largely concoted.
freedommassachusetts.org/study-no-incre…
pinknews.co.uk/2018/12/07/ant…
That trans bathroom rights do not increase abuses.
The "fears" MassResistance cites when we're accosted,
They finally admitted, were largely concoted.
freedommassachusetts.org/study-no-incre…
pinknews.co.uk/2018/12/07/ant…
If this was just theory, then it would be fine
To say, "You have your sources, and I have mine."
But that's not the goal of these junk science fakers -
They're trying to influence policymakers!
To say, "You have your sources, and I have mine."
But that's not the goal of these junk science fakers -
They're trying to influence policymakers!
But asking for proof of our wicked agenda
Is met only with discourse impedimenta:
Lies, smoke & mirrors, distortions - and one
True story of ways we get lobbying done.
spectator.co.uk/article/the-do…
Is met only with discourse impedimenta:
Lies, smoke & mirrors, distortions - and one
True story of ways we get lobbying done.
spectator.co.uk/article/the-do…
Lobbying? Really? Is that now the bar
For when civil rights struggles have gone too far?
We're told, when we draw from historical cases,
"You're lying! Appropriating! And you're racist!"
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/…
For when civil rights struggles have gone too far?
We're told, when we draw from historical cases,
"You're lying! Appropriating! And you're racist!"
charlotteobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/…
But time and again, we cry foul of these antics,
Because they track closely with oppressive tactics
That once were employed against black folks and queers.
This isn't now fair, just because it's been years.
slate.com/human-interest…
Because they track closely with oppressive tactics
That once were employed against black folks and queers.
This isn't now fair, just because it's been years.
slate.com/human-interest…
The Silent Majority - that's a dogwhistle -
Is brought up in most of this transphobic piffle.
"Most people are scared," so they say, "and choose silence,
Instead of exposing themselves to male violence!"
belonging.berkeley.edu/blog-revisitin…
Is brought up in most of this transphobic piffle.
"Most people are scared," so they say, "and choose silence,
Instead of exposing themselves to male violence!"
belonging.berkeley.edu/blog-revisitin…
And so now for decades, we're locked in this spiral
As trans rights are met with such vocal denial.
Now buckle up, folks, because this is a ride:
There *is* a conspiracy - but on *their* side.
As trans rights are met with such vocal denial.
Now buckle up, folks, because this is a ride:
There *is* a conspiracy - but on *their* side.
Amy Dyess was a gendercrit pawn
Whose speaking events took her hither and yon.
She switched to their side cuz some trans folks are mean.
That's quite understandable, from what I've seen.
medium.com/@amydyess83/pr…
Whose speaking events took her hither and yon.
She switched to their side cuz some trans folks are mean.
That's quite understandable, from what I've seen.
medium.com/@amydyess83/pr…
Dyess was recruited, love-bombed, and frog-boiled.
A true-blue team player, she never recoiled
As conservative bedfellows soon were the norm…
Until she saw who's at the eye of the storm.
A true-blue team player, she never recoiled
As conservative bedfellows soon were the norm…
Until she saw who's at the eye of the storm.
By countries, by contacts, Dyess realized
The gendercrits are globally organized!
At the top of the pyramid was a cabal
Of worldwide millionaires - lesbians, all!
The gendercrits are globally organized!
At the top of the pyramid was a cabal
Of worldwide millionaires - lesbians, all!
Political lesbians are an old foe
Of feminism half a cent'ry ago.
They say that all women can choose to be gay,
And thereby block menfolk from getting their way.
Of feminism half a cent'ry ago.
They say that all women can choose to be gay,
And thereby block menfolk from getting their way.
Now, please let me say that I *am* sympathetic,
Especially when I hear them wax poetic.
"Choose to be gay! Come on in! Water's fine!"
Just like Julie Bindel wrote back in '09.
theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…
Especially when I hear them wax poetic.
"Choose to be gay! Come on in! Water's fine!"
Just like Julie Bindel wrote back in '09.
theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…
I'm sorry, did I hear that wrong? With apology,
Are political lesbians ignoring biology?
Behind all the ruckus, above all the fray,
Are people who think it's a choice to be gay!
splcenter.org/20160525/quack…
Are political lesbians ignoring biology?
Behind all the ruckus, above all the fray,
Are people who think it's a choice to be gay!
splcenter.org/20160525/quack…
And then they direct their fanatical hordes
To say that trans women are out of our gourds.
Trans men, they admit, have some tough shoes to fit in;
But nevertheless, gendercrits call them women.
jayhulme.com/blog/transmen
To say that trans women are out of our gourds.
Trans men, they admit, have some tough shoes to fit in;
But nevertheless, gendercrits call them women.
jayhulme.com/blog/transmen
Do you understand now why this makes us crazy?
Their arguments are all bad, old, and/or lazy!
We know they work with the far right and the church
To unravel the QUILTBAG, with trans people first!
Their arguments are all bad, old, and/or lazy!
We know they work with the far right and the church
To unravel the QUILTBAG, with trans people first!
Please don't put me in the conspiracy crowd.
This isn't a secret, they say it out loud.
Just look for yourself, there's no need to trust me:
They're hate groups on watch by the SPLC.
lgbtqnation.com/2017/10/christ…
splcenter.org/fighting-hate/…
This isn't a secret, they say it out loud.
Just look for yourself, there's no need to trust me:
They're hate groups on watch by the SPLC.
lgbtqnation.com/2017/10/christ…
splcenter.org/fighting-hate/…
With precedent set by their anti-trans charge,
They'll turn to gay marriage and queer rights at large,
Criminalizing us ad infinitum
'Til we'd rather live in the closet than fight 'em.
reddit.com/r/AgainstHateS…
They'll turn to gay marriage and queer rights at large,
Criminalizing us ad infinitum
'Til we'd rather live in the closet than fight 'em.
reddit.com/r/AgainstHateS…
So I understand that you feel persecuted
For speaking your truth, just to have it disputed.
I know that pain well, for I've suffered it, too.
So now comes the question: what do we do?
For speaking your truth, just to have it disputed.
I know that pain well, for I've suffered it, too.
So now comes the question: what do we do?
I've seen from your viewpoint, I know it feels bad
When you speak your mind and it makes the world mad.
But look through my eyes, and I think you will see that
It's not persecution, it's just public feedback.
When you speak your mind and it makes the world mad.
But look through my eyes, and I think you will see that
It's not persecution, it's just public feedback.
I know it still hurts when your tweets get you canceled;
"Perspective" does not mean your feelings are handled.
Sit with your discomfort, until you can own it,
And build solidarity out of this moment.
"Perspective" does not mean your feelings are handled.
Sit with your discomfort, until you can own it,
And build solidarity out of this moment.
You can take a stand, raise your voice against hate.
The war is long, yes - but it's never too late.
Own up to your past, acknowledge your harms;
Like Amy, we'll welcome you with open arms.
The war is long, yes - but it's never too late.
Own up to your past, acknowledge your harms;
Like Amy, we'll welcome you with open arms.
If you just say sorry to people you've hurt,
Forgiveness will come, and what's more, I assert
The people from whom you've been alienated
Will mostly be happy (and some, quite elated).
Forgiveness will come, and what's more, I assert
The people from whom you've been alienated
Will mostly be happy (and some, quite elated).
But if you insist this is your hill to die on,
I've one last perspective I'd like you to try on.
Imagine a future where love truly wins:
Your choices today could be how that begins.
I've one last perspective I'd like you to try on.
Imagine a future where love truly wins:
Your choices today could be how that begins.
The writers among you know growth hurts the worst.
Redemption arcs rock, but they're painful at first.
It might be through letters, or movies, or art -
It's not complicated, just open your heart.
Redemption arcs rock, but they're painful at first.
It might be through letters, or movies, or art -
It's not complicated, just open your heart.
This trans Twitter nobody's finally done.
I thank you for reading and hope you had fun.
But please think about all the words that I've said.
If we don't work together, we can't move ahead.
I thank you for reading and hope you had fun.
But please think about all the words that I've said.
If we don't work together, we can't move ahead.
