In a new book the scholar traces a line from reactionary tendencies in history to anti-trans feminists todayIs Donald Trump a feminist?There was a time when anyone asking such a question could reasonably expect to be laughed out of the room. Yet, just three weeks into Trump’s second term, the man responsible for stripping women in the US of the right to an abortion was declared a “feminist kween”, “feminist hero” and “feminist icon” by several prominent feminist writers in the UK. Continue reading...
Sophie Lewis discusses the concerning state of feminism in her book *Enemy Feminisms*, highlighting how certain feminist ideologies have become adversarial to progressive feminist goals. She examines how figures like Trump have been praised by some feminists for anti-trans policies, despite their oppressive nature. Lewis categorizes these adversarial feminisms into archetypes such as the "civilizer," "KKK feminist," "pornophobe," and "prohibitionist," tracing their roots back to historical figures like Mary Wollstonecraft and movements like suffragette violence. She critiques how these ideologies often align with white supremacy, imperialism, and authoritarianism, and how anti-pornography movements have ties to authoritarianism. Lewis also explores the influence of trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs) on the far-right's transphobia, arguing that these groups have significantly impacted right-wing agendas. The book's release coincides with global attacks on trans rights, and while Lewis anticipates criticism, she emphasizes the urgency of confronting these issues to combat fascism within feminist movements.
