Ember's Writing

Empathy

I am deeply concerned about the persistent issue of gendered violence. Not only as I seek to deconstruct how I was groomed, as a man, to participate and contribute towards it. Its been like waking up to a horrible dream, that was not a dream. But also because Gendered Violence has become the locus, the front line of transphobia in the form of feminism expressed by trans exclusionary radical feminists.

Simultaneously, I feel a growing fear over the rise of populism, anti-trans legislation, and hate crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of many. Much of this appears to be fuelled by this form of feminism. I am curious what might be behind these phenomena – buckle up.

A striking sculpture titled 'A Mother’s Love' from the Deconstruction project in Torrelavega, Spain, showcases a towering figure composed of domestic appliances and items, such as washing machines and kitchen sinks, all painted in monochrome. The sculpture is designed to look like a mother, symbolizing the burden of domestic labor often shouldered by women, in a public awareness campaign for gender equality by Asociación Cultural Octubre.

From the outset let me be very clear: I aim to offer compassion and care for all women.

And as a British trans woman and sociologist deeply engaged with Nonviolent Communication (NVC), I sense that our struggles are interconnected. By examining how biological essentialism and fascism share roots in colonialism, dominator culture, and patriarchy, perhaps we can find common ground, and create a space from which healing might be more possible. I yearn for a platform from which we might nurture social justice together.

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