“The hardest part has been learning how to take myself seriously when the entire world is constantly telling me that femininity is always inferior to masculinity.”
― Julia Serano
This month, the Trans Bookworm Series dives into Julia Serano’s Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity. Whipping Girl explores trans identities and cultural biases about femininity. Using concepts such as transmisogyny and oppositional sexism, Serano offers a powerful framework to unpack how societal structures marginalize transfemininity.
Whipping Girl challenges us to confront the deep-rooted devaluation of femininity and the rigid gender binaries that harm everyone, especially trans women. By understanding these dynamics, we can work toward more inclusive and equitable advocacy.
Serano’s insights don’t just explain transphobia—they illuminate the broader patterns of sexism that affect us all. Let’s explore the core themes and why this book is essential reading for anyone committed to gender liberation.
Table of Contents
Transmisogyny
“When the majority of jokes made at the expense of trans people center on “men wearing dresses” or “men who want their penises cut off” that is not transphobia – it is transmisogyny. When the majority of violence and sexual assaults committed against trans people is directed at trans women, that is not transphobia – it is transmisogyny.”
― Julia Serano
What It Means: Transmisogyny is a mix of transphobia (fear or hatred of trans people) and misogyny (hatred or distrust of women) that specifically targets trans women and transfeminine people. This form of discrimination is unique because it targets trans women and transfeminine people for both their gender identity and their association with femininity.
Transmisogyny manifests in various ways. For instance, trans women are frequently shown as deceiving others or pretending to be something they’re not. This stereotype comes from old, harmful ideas about women being tricky or dishonest. For example, the phenomenon of “trans panic” defenses in court cases illustrates transmisogyny. This defense claims that discovering someone’s trans identity provoked a violent reaction, effectively blaming the victim for their own assault or murder. Such cases disproportionately target trans women and reflect a societal view that their femininity is deceptive or threatening.
Why It Matters: Transmisogyny helps explain why trans women face more violence and discrimination than many other groups. By understanding this, we can work to break down harmful stereotypes and support trans women more effectively.
Oppositional Sexism vs. Traditional Sexism
“We must rightly recognize that feminine expression is strong, daring, and brave – that it is powerful – and not in an enchanting, enticing, or supernatural sort of way, but in a tangible, practical way that facilitates openness, creativity, and honest expression. We must move beyond seeing femininity as helpless and dependent, or merely as masculinity’s sidekick, and instead acknowledge that feminine expression exists of its own accord and brings its own rewards to those who naturally gravitate toward it.”
― Julia Serano
What It Means: Serano identifies two types of sexism that work together to uphold gender hierarchies:
- Traditional Sexism: This is the belief that men and masculinity are better than women and femininity. It perpetuates the belief that stereotypically “masculine” traits—such as strength, rationality, and assertiveness—are superior to stereotypically “feminine” traits like empathy, sensitivity, or kindness.
- Oppositional Sexism: This enforces strict rules about how men and women should act. It punishes anyone who doesn’t follow those rules. For example, it says men must be masculine and women must be feminine, and it sees any crossing of these lines as wrong or threatening.
Oppositional sexism explains why society reacts harshly to gender non-conformity. For example, a cis woman who exhibits traditionally masculine behaviors might be criticized for being “unladylike,” while a trans woman who embraces femininity is often accused of “pretending” or “failing” at being a woman. Transmasculine individuals face different challenges but are generally subjected to less societal hostility for expressing masculinity, which is still seen as superior.
For example, Serano uses the term “sissies” to highlight how society treats boys who show traditionally feminine traits. Think about how we view “tomboys” versus “sissies.” Girls who act in masculine ways might get some praise for being strong or independent, though they still face pressure to fit in. On the other hand, boys who show feminine traits are often mocked or punished more harshly. This double standard shows how deeply society undervalues femininity and reinforces strict gender roles.
Why It Matters: Understanding these two types of sexism helps explain why trans women, in particular, face so much scrutiny and hostility. By recognizing these patterns, we can challenge the rules that try to force people into strict gender roles and start valuing all forms of gender expression.
The Devaluation of Femininity
“The greatest barrier preventing us from fully challenging sexism is the pervasive antifeminine sentiment that runs wild in both the straight and queer communities, targeting people of all genders and sexualities. The only realistic way to address this issue is to work toward empowering femininity itself.”
― Julia Serano
What It Means: One of Serano’s core arguments is that our culture systematically devalues femininity. This devaluation impacts everyone: cis women, trans women, and even men who express traditionally feminine traits. Society often associates femininity with weakness, superficiality, or triviality, while masculinity is seen as strong, serious, and superior. This cultural bias is evident in various spheres:
- In the Workplace: Jobs associated with femininity, such as nursing or teaching, are often underpaid and undervalued compared to male-dominated fields.
- In Media: Characters who exhibit feminine traits are frequently portrayed as less competent or as comic relief, while masculine traits are linked to heroism and leadership.
- Within LGBTQ+ Spaces: Even within some queer and feminist movements, femininity can be dismissed as “performative” or reinforcing gender stereotypes, leading to the marginalization of transfeminine people.
For example, consider how society views men who choose to wear makeup or engage in other traditionally feminine behaviors. They are often mocked or seen as less competent, whereas women who embrace masculinity might be viewed as strong or empowered. This double standard reflects the underlying belief that femininity is inherently inferior.
Why It Matters: Addressing the devaluation of femininity is essential for dismantling both sexism and transmisogyny. When we challenge the cultural bias against femininity, we create a more inclusive environment where all forms of gender expression are valued and respected.
Whipping Girl is more than a book; it’s a call to action. Julia Serano’s insights into transmisogyny, oppositional sexism, and the devaluation of femininity challenge us to rethink how we view gender, power, and identity. By unpacking these concepts, we gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by transfeminine people and the broader systems that shape all of our lives.
This text remains as relevant today as when it was first published, serving as both a mirror and a map—reflecting trans experiences and guiding us toward a more inclusive world. We hope this exploration sparks new insights and conversations, encouraging you to confront societal biases and advocate for gender liberation.
Stay tuned for our next installment in the Trans Bookworm Series—happy reading!
