Misogyny is defined as a hatred of, aversion to or prejudice against women,according to Merriam-Webster dictionary. Although this definition is used in relation to cisgender men and the feelings some have towards cisgender women, many forget it is common in the LGBTQ+ community, too: misogyny is a deeply ingrained societal issue that permeates even the spaces meant to challenge the norm.Within the LGBTQ+ community, misogyny manifests in complex and often overlooked ways from the devaluation of femme gay men to the marginalization of queer and trans women. It is important to address this issue in order to foster a genuinely supportive and inclusive environment. By acknowledging and confronting misogyny, we can begin to unravel the harmful dynamics that undermine our unity.According to an article by Sean Arayasirikul, PhD,. and Erin C. Wilson, DrPH, in theJournal of Homosexuality,trans-misogyny is understudied and has been used to describe an interlocking form of oppression for trans women.It is a unique and intersectional form of sexism stemming from the interaction between oppositional and traditional sexism.Oppositional sexism is seen as the belief that female and male are rigid, mutually exclusive categories, and traditional sexism is the belief that maleness and masculinity are superior to femaleness and femininity. Even though traditional sexism is more often taken up as the target of feminism, oppositional sexism represents the investment in the gender binary embedded in sexism.Trans-misogyny can drive the demonization and fetishization of trans women in society, as compared to trans men and cis women. It maintains a social system that centers cis-sexism (the belief that trans people are less legitimate than cis people) and transphobia (an emotional disgust toward individuals who do not conform to societys gender expressions).While trans individuals are considered to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community based on marginalized identity status, research has shown they often feel excluded from that community. Experiencing transphobia in LGBTQ communities can lead to feelings of disconnection: Trans inclusivity and acceptance isnt necessarily a given in all LGBT spaces, so the feeling of being in that kind of generalized space isnt as immediately comforting as being a cis person in this space, noted Lex Pulice-Farrow in the articleExperiences of Community Connection and Belonging for Sexual Minority Trans Individuals.Valerie Jackson, who identifies as a trans-feminine woman, shared her experience with misogyny in the community:As a trans-feminine individual, my experience with misogyny in our community often mimics heteronormative misogyny and bigotry, she said. Early on in my transition, I was rejected for not passing as cisgender or not undergoing specific medical transitions.Valerie JacksonI have had my expertise questioned, particularly in male-dominated spaces, which contrasts with how I was treated before transitioning, Jackson continued. I have had my identity frequently reduced to a stereotype or fantasy. Many trans women, including myself, experience societal scrutiny over our bodies, exacerbated by gendered expectations and biases against femininity. Trans women, especially trans women of color, experience disproportionate rates of hate crimes, police brutality and sexual violence.Cisgender gay men can often perpetuate misogyny by devaluing femininity, mocking women or excluding trans women and lesbians from queer bars, clubs and social circles. At times, some drag spaces normalize misogynist humor, targeting cis and trans women and reinforcing stereotypes about femininity.Some believe that homophobia itself is rooted in misogyny, and the same can be said of transphobia. Brandon Andrew Robinson describes a misogyny paradox how men devalue women and femininity and yet are suppose to love and desire women, the very people they devalue, in his articleTransamorous Misogyny: Masculinity, Heterosexuality, and Cis Mens Sexist Desires for Trans Women.Femmephobia can be defined as any negative feeling, aversion or behavior directed toward femininity or toward those who exhibit feminine traits, based upon societal understandings of what is masculine and feminine, according to Brandon Miller inMasculine Guys Only: The Effects of Femmephobic Mobile Dating Application Profiles on Partner Selection for Men Who Have Sex With Men. This term is often used to reference anti-effeminacy in gay men, suggesting that this phobia was partly rooted in the desire to avoid being stereotyped, dating from early experiences as feminine boys in society.Dallas therapistCandy Marcumput it bluntly: Homophobia is about misogyny.It goes like this, she said. What kind of man wants to play the womans part? It is absolutely rooted in misogyny.Candy MarcumMarcum added, Many may not have thought about this. Many young boys were called sissies when expressing feminine traits and characteristics while girls who express more boyish traits were called tomboys, and it was almost a badge of honor.These anti-femme views are often seen on gay male dating apps such as Grindr, Jackd, Sniffies, etc. Often a profile will declare no femmes or masc for masc, expressing a desire and attraction to masculine-presenting men only. When asked how misogynistic views towards femininity relates to the dating world, Marcum said that these qualifications on potential partners come from an individuals dislike of that quality in themselves.Trans women are often marginalized in queer spaces, where masculine privilege exists, and their issues may be dismissed or deemed harmful to the broader movement.Valerie JacksonMen are often told not to cry, not to be vulnerable, etc. because these are viewed as feminine traits. That attitude causes some men to become cold and jaded. When a person of any gender shows emotion, sensitivity or even likes the color pink, some men automatically categorize these traits as feminine and, therefore, inferior to more masculine traits and people.Some users rely on anti-effeminacy themes to frame their romantic preferences in these apps, resulting in femme-phobic language. These anti-effeminacy attitudes can be motivated by a need to be accepted by others as individuals try to enhance their own appeal by aligning themselves with the anti-effeminacy views they perceive to be popular. This femme-phobic framing demonstrates adherence to a masculine ideal within the gay culture.Male homosexuality has traditionally been linked with feminine behaviors. Effeminate men and butch women were examples of the exterior notions of inverted gender behavior, and because both threatened customary conceptions of masculinity and femininity, they were seen as a cause for alarm.Gay men have historically been treated as men who failed at gender.This definition of femmephobia relates well to the apprehension gay men have toward femininity, particularly in other gay and bisexual men. Gay men who ascribe to a strict idealized masculinity experience a fear of effeminate gay men, and these traditional ideals about masculinity affect how gay men feel about both themselves and same-sex relationships.Betty Neal, who identifies as a lesbian, says that while she hasnt experienced misogyny from gay men herself, she has seen it occur firsthand. She recalled an incident in which she and some of her female friends went to a local bar; her female friends were ignored by the bartender, but when two gay men walked up they were immediately served. While this may not be seen as misogynistic or discriminatory to some, it certainly seems that way to those who have experienced it.Betty NealNeal said she wants to be clear, though, that we have come a long way as far as misogyny is concerned in gay spaces. She suggested that a lot of the negativity lesbians experience in primarily gay male spaces relates to the sexual desires of the men. They might see a girl talking to a dancer or bartender, and assume that woman is now competition, Neal said. Theres a limited selection of dates, sex, etc. already, and sometimes gay men might feel that a woman being in the space is an obstacle.And even though men may not realize they are being misogynistic others see it, and it needs to be addressed.Jackson said she believes that Trans women are often marginalized in queer spaces, where masculine privilege exists, and their issues may be dismissed or deemed harmful to the broader movement.When it comes to what steps LGBTQ+ spaces and organizations can do to tackle misogyny within the community, Neal said she believes its all about conversations. Courageous conversations need to be had, she said. You can never assume someones motives, desires, past experiences or goals until you have conversations with them.Jackson agreed, adding that hopefully [this article] inspires change and sparks conversation.Addressing misogyny within the LGBTQ+ community requires honest reflection, allyship and collective effort. While the community has been rooted in the fight for equality, it is vital to recognize and dismantle the biases that perpetuate exclusion, especially against women and femme-presenting individuals.By fostering spaces that center respect, accountability and inclusivity, the community can truly honor the contributions of its members and be a model of progress and unity.As Jackson said, We cannot demand our inclusion in spaces while being exclusive or restrictive.The post Trans and femme voices on misogyny in LGBTQ+ communities appeared first on News Is Out.