What does it mean to celebrate women during Women’s History Month? For a start, it means including trans women. Women’s History Month is a time for celebrating the incredible contributions made by women throughout history. But sometimes, these celebrations can unintentionally exclude, or marginalize certain groups within the broader category of women — specifically, trans women. It’s crucial to start acknowledging that trans women are women, and their experiences and contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated alongside cisgender women.
Why does it matter? Well, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword to be thrown around carelessly; including trans women is about recognizing their diverse realities and experiences of womanhood. When we exclude trans women, we perpetuate harmful stereotypes and erase their existence. It’s like throwing a party and only inviting people who fit a very narrow definition of “guest.” Doesn’t sound very celebratory, does it?
Let’s think about it this way: Women’s History Month is about recognizing and celebrating the resilience, sacrifices, and accomplishments of women. Yet, trans women often face disproportionate levels of discrimination and violence. Their stories of strength and perseverance are essential to understanding the full spectrum of womanhood. So, how do we include the important, and overshadowed, experiences of these women in our Women’s History Month celebrations? Here are six ways to start.
- Use inclusive language.
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Inclusive language is very important in Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day celebrations. Avoid terminology that reinforces a binary view of gender or suggests that trans women are not women. Simply use “women” when referring to the group being celebrated, and ensure all materials reflect this inclusive language. Refrain from phrases like “biological women” or “women-born-women,” because it inherently excludes trans women.
When referring to individuals, use their preferred names and pronouns. If you are unsure, politely ask them. Creating a welcoming environment is achieved by consistently using affirmative language that not only acknowledges trans women’s womanhood, but also reinforces their sense of belonging and safety.
- Broaden your own assumptions of womanhood.
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Challenging assumptions is key to genuine inclusion. Many well-intentioned people hold subconscious biases about what constitutes womanhood, which is often rooted in traditional, cisnormative views. To truly honor trans women during Women’s History Month, we must actively work to dismantle these assumptions. One way of doing this is recognizing that womanhood is not a monolith defined by biological sex or assigned gender at birth. Embrace the reality that trans women are women, full stop. This means questioning ingrained notions about femininity, womanhood, and the experiences that define them.
Also, listen to trans women’s lived experiences, amplify their voices, and be open to learning and unlearning. By actively challenging our own assumptions, we can create space for trans women to be seen, celebrated, and fully included in the spirit of Women’s History Month.
- Cultivate safe spaces.
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Creating truly safe spaces for trans women during Women’s History Month celebrations goes beyond simply stating inclusivity; it demands proactive measures. This involves establishing clear, enforced policies or rules against discrimination and harassment, ensuring physical spaces like restrooms and changing facilities are accessible and affirming, and fostering a culture of respect where trans women’s identities are acknowledged and valued.
When organizing events for Women’s History Month, you should actively listen to the needs of trans women within your communities, and incorporate their feedback into event planning. This might include providing sensitivity training for staff and volunteers, ensuring diverse representation of speakers and panelists, and creating designated safe zones where trans women can find support and solidarity. Ultimately, a safe space is one where trans women feel not just tolerated, but celebrated as essential members of the broader women’s community.
- Champion diversity and intersectionality.
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Representation and visibility are not merely symbolic gestures, but they are essential for genuine inclusion. In the context of Women’s History Month celebrations, this means actively ensuring trans women’s presence and contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. This involves more than just a passing mention; it requires intentionally featuring trans women as speakers, panelists, and honorees, and amplifying their voices within the broader narrative of women’s history.
By showcasing the diverse experiences and achievements of trans women, we challenge the limited definitions of womanhood that have historically excluded them, and create a more accurate and inclusive understanding of what it means to be a woman. This visible inclusion fosters a sense of belonging, combats harmful stereotypes, and sends a powerful message that trans women are valued and key members of the women’s community.
- Continue to educate yourself.
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Education and awareness are necessary to foster inclusion. Begin by acknowledging that trans women are women and keep it there. Subsequently, make readily available resources that not only explain the distinction between gender identity and biological sex, but also actively challenge and dismantle harmful misconceptions, enabling individuals to develop a more inclusive and informed perspective. Offer training or resources to training for participants on inclusive language and respectful communication, emphasizing the importance of using correct pronouns and names.
Make sure to highlight the historical and contemporary contributions of trans women to feminist movements and society at large. Foster open dialogue where questions can be asked respectfully, and misunderstandings addressed with empathy. These steps can help create a learning environment that promotes understanding and dismantles prejudices that lead to the exclusion of trans women.
- Move beyond performative allyship.
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True inclusion transcends performative allyship, which often manifests as fleeting gestures or tokenistic representation. For Women’s History Month celebrations, this means shifting from simply acknowledging trans women to actively centering their voices and experiences. It requires dismantling the systems that perpetuate their marginalization, not just offering symbolic gestures.
Move beyond surface-level pronouncements of support and instead, commit to ongoing education, policy changes, and creating spaces where trans women feel genuinely safe, respected, and empowered. This involves actively challenging cis-normative assumptions, amplifying trans women’s contributions, and ensuring their full participation in all aspects of the celebration.
It all starts with understanding that womanhood isn’t defined by biology alone. It’s about identity, experience, and community. By expanding our understanding of what it means to be a woman, we can create Women’s History Month celebrations that truly honor all women, including trans women.