The Goddess Festival 14 hrs · STATEMENT FROM THE GODDESS FESTIVAL: Controversy has emerged, over one workshop of many beautiful workshops, at the Goddess Festival going on this week. The Festival Planning Circle would like to share with you a more complete story of the situation than you may see through social media posts.
The workshop in question was titled “The Disappearing L: Lesbians Rise Up”. The content involves the changing role of lesbians in the current culture, and the audience was anticipated to be women.
Goddess Festival Planning Circle members attended a meeting with founders of a new transgender rights group, Intransitive, where we listened carefully to the concerns along with a list of demands that were presented. Within the context of our own values for inclusion and welcome for all, we did our best to accommodate these requests. During the meeting we offered to make a public apology, offered to repost the workshop with the inclusive language given us, of “cisgender”, and to sponsor ongoing educational opportunities. But because we were unwilling to shut out the voices of these particular workshop presenters by canceling this workshop, dialogue with Intransitive was withdrawn by Intransitive.
The Goddess Festival and OMNI Center work to open space for many different progressive perspectives and stand firmly for equality and fairness for all people. Many of these carry deep pain from the oppressions we all bring to our work for a better world, but some communities are experiencing greater attack than others. The transgender community, like the immigrant community, is facing attack right now, and we understand their need to defend themselves. We sincerely apologize for the insensitivity we displayed, and would like to make appropriate amends. We hope we can all remember that we are in this struggle together, because that’s what we need to focus on right now.
After the meeting with Intransitive, the minutes of the meeting were taken back to the Goddess Festival Planning Circle. The agenda was fully discussed and arguments from all side were heard. It was determined by the Goddess Festival, acting under the umbrella of OMNI, that the workshop, “Disappearing L” will be cancelled effective immediately. The Goddess Festival and OMNI would like to reiterate that we have a strong partnership with our community and look forward to continuing our commitment to equality together. Like Like Love Haha Wow Sad Angry CommentShare Chronological 39 39 22 shares Comments ‪David Franks‬ It's a shame that trans women couldn't have been allowed to attend that workshop. Talking with them would have been far more productive than talking about them. Like · Reply · 17 · 13 hrs ‪Emmalucy Jones‬ Devon Silence bullshit. Men kill transwomen. Lesbians have never killed transwomen. Like · Reply · 26 · 9 hrs ‪Hannah Roberts‬ Lesbians have a right to gather and forcing yourself in to their spaces actually makes the space dangerous for them and just demonstrates your male entitlement. Like · Reply · 30 · 8 hrs ‪Lilian Halcombe‬ So according to the trans group that bullied the organisers of this event the problem was "transphobic language" in the advertisement. Like · Reply · 7 · 8 hrs ‪Lilian Halcombe‬ I assumed the "transphobic language" was "radical lesbian feminist" but I'm not sure in what universe that is considered transphobic. Like · Reply · 12 · 8 hrs ‪Hannah Roberts‬ I think it was the use of the word 'biological'....... Like · Reply · 16 · 8 hrs ‪Lorrie Irby Jackson‬ Wow, the GALL of biological women to create a haven for themselves. My friend was commenting on an article about childbirth and a trans/woman even complained there...... IN THE COMMENT SPACE WITH AN ARTICLE ABOUT CHILDBIRTH. The entitlement and arrogance is REAL. Like · Reply · 29 · 8 hrs · Edited ‪Lorrie Irby Jackson‬ I guess the 3 kids I birthed are also agents of destruction Jaime Hershel. 😜 Especially the two with the troublesome vaginas. Like · Reply · 12 · 7 hrs · Edited ‪Jessica Lora Haight-Angelo‬ Pretty sure patriarchy can reach up into Canada and back 👍 Like · Reply · 7 · 6 hrs Write a reply... ‪Kearby Bridges‬ Now you're literally erasing the voices of the lesbians and their allies who came here to defend them? Nice. Like · Reply · 71 · 12 hrs ‪Kearby Bridges‬ ‪The Goddess Festival:‬ ‪Questions for you to make clear that your statement did not. ‬ ‪1. What was insensitive to transwomen?‬ ‪2. How was it part of the attack on transwomen?‬ ‪3. Why is cisgender more appropriate than biological women?‬ ‪4. What were the insensitivities displayed by your organization?‬ Like · Reply · 44 · 12 hrs ‪Catherine Drury‬ Four Like · Reply · 2 · 9 hrs ‪Hannah Roberts‬ Five Like · Reply · 1 · 8 hrs · Edited ‪Fiona Ryan‬ Six Like · Reply · 1 · 8 hrs ‪Rachel Coutts‬ Seven Like · Reply · 8 hrs ‪Jessica Lora Haight-Angelo‬ 5. Can lesbians have their single workshop back now please? 😑 Like · Reply · 6 · 6 hrs ‪Claudia Center‬ Was the issue that transwomen who are lesbian were excluded? That seems like a problem. Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs ‪Ro Medors‬ Didn't you know, anything they want to be is offensive to the trans community and therefore "transphobic" and "killing them." Like · Reply · 7 · 4 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Claudia Center, that was exactly the problem, yes. Like · Reply · 4 hrs ‪Hearth Moon Rising‬ Better gird your loins if you were involved in this decision. You are going to be explaining it the rest the your lives. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs ‪Diane Fortune‬ Womyn can no longer gather alone - at womyn's festivals Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪CJ Lammers‬ If inclusion is the goal, then be inclusive and let Lesbians have their space. Wiping out one alphabet letter by another is not inclusion. T people please listen to all the myriad ways you are included and please focus on that. Not all Lesbians are trans exclusionary and not all spaces can be open to all. We all need our spaces. Please respect that concept same as we do for spaces for People of Color. Thanks. Like · Reply · 57 · 9 hrs ‪Sherrie Larch‬ Amen! Seriously it seems trans women have to have their hands held in everything. Literally, its kinda suffocating and bizarre behavior. I don't get angry if I'm not included or invited in a straight women's group. Everyone needs some breathing spaces. Like · Reply · 25 · 9 hrs ‪MaryLou Singleton‬ It's classic abusive controlling male behavior. Like · Reply · 24 · 7 hrs ‪CJ Lammers‬ Please also no name calling. Make space for everyone. Wide open arms are what's needed. Not arms folded across the chest. Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Emily Kelly‬ Yes‪MaryLou Singleton‬ 😢 very disturbing. Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs Write a reply... ‪Rose Sanders‬ I don't understand why this one workshop was such a problem when the entire festival was inclusive. No one would have objected to a workshop organized only for trans women. Like · Reply · 37 · 8 hrs · Edited ‪Sherrie Larch‬ They have to have their hands held, instead of doing something for themselves. Also if there was a trans women's only workshop no one would be crying about it we would move on with our lives. Wish they would. Like · Reply · 28 · 8 hrs · Edited Write a reply... ‪Vicky Wilhelmina‬ Erasure of a workshop about lesbian erasure. You can't make that stuff up. Like · Reply · 57 · 8 hrs ‪Diane Fortune‬ the irony meter broke today Like · Reply · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Hannah Roberts‬ Lesbians have the right to their own spaces without men. Denying that is not just homophobic but perpetuates rape culture as it condemns women for asserting their own boundaries. This is an absolute disgrace. Like · Reply · 37 · 8 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Trans women are women. Full stop. Like · Reply · 3 · 4 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Except, Julie, that it IS true. So...go ahead and keep being wrong, but you can't say nobody tried to set you right now. Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Cheryl Biren‬ What is your definition of woman Lynn Keller? Like · Reply · 2 · 2 hrs ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Lynn Keller please STOP; woman = adult human female; has been, is now, and will be forever more..... Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr ‪Diane Fortune‬ women are not allowedto have boundariesw Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Lynn Keller‬ Nobody is saying folks can't have boundaries, Diane. Crap deflection, do better. That's not the definition of womanhood, Sahlia. Your definitions and your feminism both belong in a dumpster. Like · Reply · 38 mins ‪Kara Patrice‬ Lynn Keller Actually, the definition that Sahila provided is literally the dictionary definition of a woman. What's your answer to Cheryl's question: "what is your definition of a woman?" Like · Reply · 32 mins Write a reply... ‪Lorrie Irby Jackson‬ For the record, I'm not even a lesbian but this BS is getting out of hand. You don't see trans-men eliminating events about prostate health just because they lack a prostate. Like · Reply · 55 · 8 hrs ‪Hannah Roberts‬ Transwomen continue to display male entitlement. Like · Reply · 33 · 8 hrs ‪Missy Beaver‬ Ha ha Yup Like · Reply · 14 · 7 hrs Write a reply... ‪Rachel Coutts‬ I am straight, but I support lesbians' right to organize without men or even straight women! How can you call yourselves a women's festival? Shame on you for silencing and erasing women! Like · Reply · 49 · 7 hrs ‪Rachel Coutts‬ What was offensive about having one space for women only? Like · Reply · 33 · 7 hrs ‪Jennifer Nunnya‬ Biology was offensive. Like · Reply · 17 · 7 hrs ‪Lorrie Irby Jackson‬ My womb gives life and strangles it too? Fascinating..... 🙄 Like · Reply · 12 · 7 hrs ‪Rachel Coutts‬ Mother Nature: confirmed Terf Like · Reply · 26 · 6 hrs ‪Jessica Lora Haight-Angelo‬ It's not even a lesbian-exclusive space, it was there to educate workshop attendants of all stripes about lesbian erasure; because apparently it needs to be fucking discussed, god damn. Like · Reply · 14 · 6 hrs ‪Rachel Coutts‬ No, it was open to all women. But I still would support it even if they told me straights weren't invited. Like · Reply · 10 · 6 hrs ‪Matthew Midgett‬ No it wasn't. It was open to non-trans women. That is not "all women". That was the point of the complaint. Like · Reply · 3 · 5 hrs ‪Rachel Coutts‬ Thank god a man showed up to tell us women how the world really works! As usual, women can't define us, only a man can do that! Like · Reply · 15 · 3 hrs ‪Rachel Coutts‬ well, we should remember, its women's WORDS not MEN'S VIOLENCE that kills people. thank you Matthew for showing us the light! Like · Reply · 9 · 3 hrs Write a reply... ‪Taylor Hinton-Ridling‬ You literally "disappeared" the lesbians. Incredible. Like · Reply · 43 · 7 hrs ‪Missy Beaver‬ What do trans women have to do with lesbians? Nothing Absolutely nothing. Like · Reply · 35 · 7 hrs ‪Matthew Midgett‬ I know multiple trans lesbian women. Like · Reply · 3 · 5 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ And you, Catherine, are transmisogynist. Trans women are women and if they are attracted to women, they belong in lesbian spaces. If you can't see that, you're perpetuating violence on a marginalized community that has a life expectancy of about 30 due to suicide rates and murder. Grow up. Like · Reply · 2 · 4 hrs ‪Missy Beaver‬ It's just a factual statement that a male can't be a lesbian because a lesbian is a female who only is attracted to other females. A trans woman is still a male, therefore can't be a lesbian. It's misogyny for a born male to claim they are a lesbian . But it's simply also just not true. Trans women should not have women pandering to them and changing reality. Like · Reply · 12 · 4 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Nope. Trans women aren't male, men, or any combination of any other of the trash labels you're pushing. Trans women are women and y'all are misogynists. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs ‪Cheryl Biren‬ LOL. Seriously? "Trans women aren't male..." Um yea, they are. It's called biology. Like · Reply · 6 · 2 hrs ‪Diane Fortune‬ Matthew Midgett trans lesbian = straight man Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Lynn Keller‬ Bigots, bigots everywhere. Like · Reply · 39 mins Write a reply... ‪Karen Cayer‬ "All space becomes male space unless females maintain a concerted effort to mark a space for themselves." -Sheila Jeffreys, Unpacking Queer Politics Like · Reply · 50 · 7 hrs ‪Missy Beaver‬ Preach x Like · Reply · 4 hrs Write a reply... ‪Karen Cayer‬ ‪Www.femaleerasure.com to all those who voted to erase womyn's voices.‬ Like · Reply · 24 · 7 hrs · Edited ‪Jellie Kay‬ As an ally to lesbian women I would be absolutely fine with being told that a lesbian workshop did not include me, why do you honestly think these transwomen were making "demands" to be in a space where it's expressly described as not being for anyone other than lesbians? Have they threatened you with a PR disaster? Threatened your jobs? Threatened to protest? Why have you let down lesbian sisters so badly? Like · Reply · 38 · 7 hrs ‪Matthew Midgett‬ Trans women are women and therefore can be lesbians, but were excluded anyway. Like · Reply · 4 · 5 hrs ‪Jellie Kay‬ Matthew Midgett Wow..... who are you to tell women that trans women are women? They are not. Not now and not ever. A person born male cannot ever be a lesbian and it's frankly grotesque and erasing that anyone can think they can be. Like · Reply · 9 · 4 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ They are. You're allowed to be wrong :) Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Iru Avanuitha‬ Lesbians have a right to not like penises. That is what makes them lesbians. They have a specific life experience and they have the right to gather with people with the same vital concerns and experiences. That doesn't mean you hate transfolk. It means you recognize there are differences and everyone needs to heal. Like · Reply · 5 · 2 hrs ‪Emmalucy Jones‬ Lynn Keller Except we aren't. You're delusional Like · Reply · 3 · 2 hrs Write a reply... ‪Juliana Villareal‬ I guess we know who exactly the 'goddesses' are now, and it sure isn't women. Like · Reply · 27 · 3 hrs · Edited ‪Charlotte Edwards‬ Well, that's certainly one way to illustrate the disappearance of lesbians. Although I think going ahead with the workshop & including the misogynist term "cisgender" might even have been worse. Like · Reply · 36 · 6 hrs ‪Karen Cayer‬ ‪http://www.daughtersofdianagathering.org is female only gathering‬ DOD2016 Welcome Page The Daughters of Diana Gathering (DoD) is an annual gathering of Amazons, Dianic witches, and goddess… DAUGHTERSOFDIANAGATHERING.ORG Like · Reply · 17 · 6 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ So you're a transmisogynist bigot. Got it. Like · Reply · 2 · 4 hrs ‪Emmalucy Jones‬ Lynn Keller You don't really support women and you are delusional. We go that for sure. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Ann MH‬ Lynn Keller so you think that biological women have no right to gather with other biological women, ever. Got it. Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr ‪Lynn Keller‬ If that's what you took from the argument, that's on you. Keep on keepin on with your transphobia and bigotry, but don't say I didn't warn you. Like · Reply · 32 mins Write a reply... ‪Chris Ehring‬ The Disappearing L disappeared themselves Like · Reply · 7 · 6 hrs ‪Chris Ehring‬ Many of the replies focused on male violence, patriarchy, blamed Q & T -- I read the article, "values for inclusion and welcome for all" you know what's going on all over: in parades, sports, meetings, and festivals. Time to stop including and welcoming those who seek to destroy you. Draw conclusion from the writing on the wall. Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Chris Ehring‬ Hey Adelaide, You gave up your own workshop - who's the imbecile and misogynist here? Like · Reply · 5 hrs · Edited ‪Chris Ehring‬ Elizabeth, I do not enjoy it at all. I find it tragic when a groups "values of inclusion" lead to it's demise. Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Chris Ehring‬ Rebecca, and the festival was created by and managed by and cancelled by...women. That seems to be the point. Like · Reply · 1 hr · Edited ‪Andrea Cook‬ by....women who pander to men. Like · Reply · 6 · 2 hrs Write a reply... ‪Laura Lemay‬ haha try to include CIS . are we a minority now? smh Like · Reply · 4 · 6 hrs ‪Katie Watkins‬ this is wildly disappointing Like · Reply · 12 · 6 hrs ‪Allee Anabal-Walkerhttps://www.facebook.com/FloydZeppelinQueenStonesBeatlesHendrixJoplin/videos/639582769553639/?pnref=story‬ 03:02 2,477,069 Views ROCK STAR Like Page November 24, 2016 · John Lennon - Imagine (Live) Like · Reply · 6 hrs Write a reply... ‪Leah Floyd‬ I really appreciate the work The Goddess Festival is doing to try to include everyone. I had no idea you had your hands so full, and can see now it's impossible to please both "sides". I hadn't previously realized their were sides in inclusion. The postings/reactions from both sides have given me a fine demonstration of why NOT to try to help either trans or lesbian people, or ask for equal rights for all. Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Jessica Lora Haight-Angelo‬ Why are you here then lol Like · Reply · 6 · 5 hrs ‪Eleanor Hill‬ I assumed sarcasm? Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Leah Floyd‬ No, not sarcastic. Just sad and realistic. I'm here because I'm also female and believe thoroughly in equal rights for all- we all have the right to exist. I believe we all have inner goddesses and want to celebrate them together. I've argued against good ol' boys my whole life for LGBT, minority, and women's rights. I'm raising daughters now, and want them to be welcomed whether they happen to be straight, gay, or trans. I'm thinking of all the ridicule I've stood against, only to see it heaped on the next group, and when the next group gets included, they aren't grateful either. I feel sorry for the Goddess Festival coordinators trying to do something nice for everyone, just to be ridiculed as well. I doesn't support hatefulness from ANY group or person, even mine or yours. We are each exactly as special the next person. Like · Reply · 1 · 5 hrs Write a reply... ‪Peggy Louttit Harp‬ Erased Like · Reply · 14 · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Glad to see this outcome. Commenting to follow this thread Like · Reply · 5 · 5 hrs Hide 12 Replies ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Relax Cathy. I'm only commenting to follow the thread. Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ One would think you'd be glad that the other side was interested in reading what you have to say. Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ I'm not male but go off I guess 🤣🤣🤣 Like · Reply · 1 · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Aye chill out bruv Like · Reply · 1 · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Aight, bet. Like · Reply · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Funny because to me it feels like deliberately baiting the group of people who harassed me for years, tried to get me to commit suicide, and told me I enjoyed being raped. Your little workshop getting cancelled gets no sympathy from anyone Like · Reply · 1 · 5 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Whatever you wanna tell yourself 🤔🤔🤔 Like · Reply · 4 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Cathy I don't really care what you believe because no matter what happens to trans women, you'll find a way to wash your hands of it. Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ My name is willow, Elizabeth Like · Reply · 4 hrs ‪Willow Aaron Wheeler‬ Cathy, you yourself signed on with the pacific justice institute, a group of right wing fundamentalists who oppose gay marriage and support conversion therapy to bully a 15 year old trans girl for living her truth until she was placed on suicide watch. (Edited for spelling error) Like · Reply · 4 hrs · Edited ‪Lynn Keller‬ Josh, you're a violent misogynist and an instrument of the patriarchy. Good job acting like trash! Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ So's Catherine. Dang. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs Write a reply... ‪Starling Foster‬ I'm writing a news article about this, hopefully to be published on The Wild Hunt. If you are a festival organizer, a "Disappearing L" workshop organizer, or an Intransitive activist willing to be interviewed for publication, please PM me. My deadline is Friday, so I need responses before then. Thanks. Like · Reply · 4 · 5 hrs ‪Nikki Allen‬ A workshop about Lesbian Erasure effectively erased by transactivists. This is tragic. Like · Reply · 28 · 5 hrs ‪Tara Cobb‬ This is a tragedy. I seriously hope the organizers reconsider and allow lesbians to have a safe space to speak up!!! At least issue a formal apology to the women you're abandoning and acknowledge that YOU are complicit in the "disappearance" of the "L" Like · Reply · 26 · 4 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans lesbians deserve a formal apology for the intentional erasure of them from this event. A safe space for lesbians that excludes trans lesbians was never safe for lesbians in the first place. Respect trans women or expect no platform. Understand that your beliefs align with patriarchal values and the status quo. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Jael Quito‬ Trans lesbians are certainly welcome to hold their own workshops. No one has precluded them from doing so. This action by trans activists is continuation of their attempt at the erasure of womyn born womyn and the enforcement of patriarchy. Like · Reply · 7 · 2 hrs ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Renea Goddard males cant be lesbians...... Like · Reply · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Rowen Pool‬ Erasing lesbians at a Goddess festival - Patriarchy's sickest joke so far. Like · Reply · 27 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ Trans activists didn't 'erase' the event. Organizers created a trans-exclusionary event, were called out for it, and refused to amend their stance to welcome ALL women. TRANS. WOMEN. ARE. WOMEN. Stop blaming transgender activists for your inability to be decent human beings. I am incredibly disappointed by all the trans-phobic hate on this post. Like · Reply · 11 · 4 hrs Hide 50 Replies ‪Sherrie Larch‬ Seriously? Why can't natal women have space from trans women? Just a question. We have different life experiences and concerns. Like · Reply · 10 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ ‪http://everydayfeminism.com/.../cis-women-only-spaces-wrong/‬ 'Women-Only' Spaces That Exclude Trans Women Lead Us Down This… EVERYDAYFEMINISM.COM Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs ‪Sherrie Larch‬ Still didn't answer my question. Are we like Siamese Twins or something. We do have the right to have our own space. Like · Reply · 4 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ ‪http://www.slate.com/.../cisgender_lesbians_and_trans... ‬ ‪http://www.pqmonthly.com/cis-woman-space-history.../21879...See More‬ Like · Reply · 4 hrs · Edited ‪Lindi Chase‬ 'Take the D'? Like · Reply · 4 hrs ‪Sherrie Larch‬ The penis, hon! That is what they are pushing constantly. Have you heard of the "female penis" just like the male penis but lesbians are suppose to honor it and let it into our beds, if we don't we are transphobic. EEEWWW! Like · Reply · 7 · 4 hrs ‪Rowen Pool‬ The desire to congregate with other womyn doesn't mean I'm not a decent human being - denying people the right to congregate based on their life experiences *is* erasure. Like · Reply · 9 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I really can't say it any better than this. "Lesbian spaces should be inclusive for lesbians. Trans lesbians exist. Ergo, lesbian spaces should be inclusive for trans lesbians. Any women’s space that is exclusive of trans women is being transphobic and perpetuating transmisogyny, which is doublely disappointing when it’s being done by another marginalized group who, you’d think, would understand how it feels to be excluded." Like · Reply · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ "A transwomen cannot be a lesbian because they are not female." TRANS. WOMEN. ARE. WOMEN. This statement is transphobic and you should be ashamed of yourself. Like · Reply · 3 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ So, transmen would be welcomed at this event? Like · Reply · 4 · 4 hrs ‪Sherrie Larch‬ Still natal women and trans women have different experiences and concerns. Seems clear that we should have space away from each other. Not transphobic just basic logic. Does everyone have to be included in everything? That would be ridiculous. Like · Reply · 8 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ It's Lindi. Gender expression is how you demonstrate your gender, often based on traditional gender roles. Your gender identity is how you identify in your head or how you think about yourself. Biological sex is determined by hormones, chromosomes and measurable organs. But thanks for the pop-quiz, Catina. Like · Reply · 3 · 4 hrs · Edited ‪Lindi Chase‬ I appreciate that you are avoiding transphobic language during this conversation, Sherrie, but behavior such as excluding women simply because they were not born cisgender, or in a body that aligns with their gender identity, is a form of transphobia. Transgender women are born women, though their bodies or their biological sex may not align with that identity. To exclude them from a women's based event would be to deny their identity. To deny their identity is to create immeasurable trauma in their lives. As people who have constantly been denied ownership of their identities, this kind of behavior perpetuates that trauma and keeps us from moving forward together as women. Their identities as women were no more chosen than we were able to choose who we love. We need to create space for that. We need to stop asking them to prove their femaleness to us. They're women. They belong here. Like · Reply · 3 · 4 hrs ‪Sherrie Larch‬ Lindi Chase and still why can't natal lesbians have space away from trans women? Like · Reply · 3 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I just explained to you why cisgender lesbian spaces are problematic. Like · Reply · 4 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ It's not homophobic to include transgender women (key word: women) in women's only events. :) :) :) Like · Reply · 2 · 4 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ Um, has someone demanded you sleep someone? Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ False. Intersex people can be trans women. Klinefelters folks (who have two X chromosomes, if that's the criterion you're so obsessed with) can be trans women...pick up a biology textbook, dang. Like · Reply · 2 · 4 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Literally nobody is demanding you sleep with anybody. Was this secret vagina party going to be an orgy or something? Because that's the only place this comes into play, and even there, consent still applies. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs ‪Andrea Cook‬ Everyday Meninsm lol Like · Reply · 7 · 3 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ No, it's a bunch of transphobes being upset that their secret vagina party got cancelled. Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ Chelsea Brown: Literally no one is saying this to you in this thread? I'm not sure what that has to do with this conversation about trans-exclusionary events? Like · Reply · 3 hrs · Edited ‪Lindi Chase‬ I have googled it and I'm very interested in discussing that the idea of 'cotton ceiling' at another time, but that's not what we're talking about right now? We're talking about trans-exclusionary events and why they're problematic. I think it's a transphobic and fear based statement, based on no credible fact or data, to say that there is a 'huge issue' of 'transwomen demanding sex from lesbians'. I'd happily chat with you about consent and creating safe spaces for all people, of all genders and expression, but that's not what this particular conversation is about. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Hm. It's almost like men REGULARLY MURDER TRANS PEOPLE. But, yknow, what do I know. And yeah, the only reason to exclude trans women, but allow trans men (as the rule would have) is if a vagina was necessary to the party. Hence, secret vagina party. But sure, I'm a misogynist. If that's how you sleep at night. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ Jaime Hershel: I'm very sorry that you've ever experienced any pressure to have any variety of sex. It sounds like that was a very upsetting situation for you. I hope you reached out to a licensed therapist to help you work through that trauma. That said, 'In the NCAVP 2009 report on hate violence, 50 percent of people who died in violent hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people were transgender women.' We need to support all women. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs · Edited ‪Lindi Chase‬ I'm pretty sure that Lynn knows perfectly well that women are more than vaginas. She's not the one repeatedly misgendering trans-women and throwing around transphobic language. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ If that's how you sleep at night, Catina, feel free to believe that. Still doesn't change that you're a transphobe, a misogynist (because TRANS WOMEN ARE WOMEN) and a crap ambassador for the Goddess. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I'm sorry you feel that way, Jaime. Sexual assault is absolutely a real concern, but we can talk about the legitimate concerns of sexual assault and sexual aggression against ALL women without turning toward transphobia. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs · Edited ‪Lindi Chase‬ Like I said, I truly believe it is possible to have a productive conversation about assault and consent without using transphobic language, but that's obviously not going to be able to happen here. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs ‪Lynn Keller‬ Wow. Your strawman there is adorable. Nice try at deflection, though. I actually did hear that, considering I've got one (not that it's a single bit of your business), but yknow, do you. Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I was on the phone with my wife during her lunch break and unable to respond. I absolutely call out rape culture, Jaime. I really am working to better understand your perspective. I hope you believe that. Your pain has a place here and dissecting and d...See More Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs · Edited ‪Lindi Chase‬ I don't have time right now to continue a conversation where those involved are unwilling to examine the ways in which even their language is transphobic. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ No one expects lesbians to have sex with trans women. Compulsory heterosexuality expects lesbians to be attracted to men. Equating "penis" with men is the issue. Like · Reply · 2 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans women are women. Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I do not believe that it's transphobic to discuss your personal experience at all, Jaime. I believe it is transphobic to extend your personal experience with some transwomen to all of transwomen, to the point of excluding them from events for lesbian women, as some lesbian women are also trans women. I believe I can recognize your trauma and advocate against rape culture without singling out transwomen. I don't know who told you that rape threats is 'how you feel like a woman', but that is extremely hurtful and I hope you know that I understand that. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I absolutely support having a conversation about creating safe spaces for all women. Those spaces should always be free of the rape culture you're describing, regardless of who is attending. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ Saying that trans women are women is not homophobic or misogynistic. Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ I'm going to back out of this conversation, as I no longer believe it's a constructive conversation and may only create more trauma for transwomen reading this thread. I hope we can eventually create a space which feels safe to all of us. Have a good day. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ If you want to continue this conversation, Jaime, feel free to send me a message. I cannot continue it at this time. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Jael Quito‬ This thread literally makes no sense. It looks as though these are responses, but where are the original statements? Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Lindi Chase‬ Jael Quito: I was trying to figure that out, too. They were deleted? I'm not sure. Like · Reply · 1 hr · Edited ‪Ginny Vogel‬ Lindi Chase There are no trans women. There are no trans men. One cannot 'transition' to another sex. There are people who cannot(or choose not to)accept their biological reality but they should not infringe on the rights of others to associate with whom they choose. People who choose to call themselves members of the opposite sex, and seek to violate the privacy, dignity, and liberty of others, should not be catered to, or given exceptional rights or platforms. All of us, whether straight or gay, should be horrified at what happened at this event. The entire 'trans' agenda is a witch hunt by some profoundly disturbed men and their Mansonian female followers. Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr · Edited ‪Tom Sawyer‬ if responses are gone, that means they were deleted by the person who posted them. Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ woman = adult human female...... was, is now and shall be forever more! Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Tom Sawyer‬ it could also be the admin of this event page deleting them, but then that would leave quite awkward conversations... Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr ‪Warcry Priya‬ Lynn Keller so hateful of women. Are you even a woman? No woman would say that. How sickening. How selfish to NOT let lesbians have their own space for their own issues. They would never deny that to transwomen who wanted to meet to discuss issues and challenges unique to being transgender. That you are bullying lesbians is shameful and disgusting no matter how you try to twist it around into some kind of PC progressive idea. Major fail goddess festival. Grow a spine. Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr · Edited ‪Warcry Priya‬ If "transwomen are women" then all women must be transwomen. See, when you actually think about it for 5 seconds you can see that your cliche doesn't get far. What's wrong with "trans women are transwomen"? They ought to be respected and recognized for their personal and often painful journey unique to trans individuals instead of negating that journey just as you negate the need for lesbians and biological women to discuss their own unique circumstances and concerns. Instead you cast diversity as bigotry. Your attacks on lesbians is utterly and blatantly sexist and horrifying. Nothing to be proud of here. You just prove that the Left too has its share of deplorables. Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr · Edited ‪Emmar O'Brien‬ Nah, they're men. You can have your own opinions, but you can't have your own facts. Like · Reply · 49 mins ‪Lynn Keller‬ They're not men. Nice alternative fact, though. I don't hate women or lesbians. Rather fond of both. Just hate transphobia and the folks who push it as if it were dogma. Which it ain't. If your feminism and your dogma aren't inclusive, they're garbage. Good try, though. This ain't about me. This is about y'all and your bigotry. Like · Reply · 40 mins ‪Lynn Keller‬ And my gender identity isn't relevant to the conversation, darling :) Like · Reply · 40 mins Write a reply... ‪Penny House‬ This is utterly shameful and wrong. How very very disturbing. Like · Reply · 9 · 3 hrs ‪Helen Chase‬ I am horrifically embarrassed by this community's transphobic response to this announcement. I cannot believe the number of ridiculous posts on this thread. Transwomen didn't 'erase' this workshop for lesbians. If the workshop coordinator had listed it as for lesbian-identifying women, there wouldn't have been a problem. Transwomen can be lesbian, or straight, or any other sexual orientation, just like 'natal women.' Those of you posting transphobic hate speech on this should be ashamed of yourselves. Like · Reply · 7 · 3 hrs ‪Helen Chase‬ No. They weren't bullied into anything. They should have edited the event to not be exclusionary, or cancelled it sooner. It was an event for lesbians to talk about lesbian issues. Transwomen can be lesbians. And Chelsea Brown, stop copy-pasting repeating yourself. It's getting really tiring. Like · Reply · 3 · 3 hrs ‪Deb Gee‬ I am horrified by the lesbophobia and misogyny. The erasure of the L. Guess it proved the point of having a workshop about the erasure of lesbians. SAFE sisters against female erasure. Like · Reply · 7 · 3 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans women are biologically female Like · Reply · 3 · 3 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans women are not men. Like · Reply · 3 · 3 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ No one's womanhood should ever be reduced to their genitalia. How ironic that TERFs will objectify women while claiming that trans women are misogynistic men in the same breath. Attraction to a certain set of genitalia isn't lesbianism and never has been. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Wrong Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Deb Gee‬ Renea, prove that trans women are biologically female. What is a biological female? Can you answer that? Like · Reply · 7 · 2 hrs ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Helen Chase males cannot be lesbians Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Renea Goddard no -- males wearing womanface are not biologically female..... Like · Reply · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Renea Goddard‬ As a lesbian myself, I wouldn't have touched this workshop with a 50 foot long pole. How can a group of individuals claim to care for women and to fight against lesbian erasure while actively and intentionally erasing trans lesbians? The TERFs screaming that this is "misogyny" and desperately trying to find ways to equate trans women to men are so clearly trying to distract from the real issue: that this event was even further contributing to the oppression of the most vulnerable and marginalized communities of women and intentionally excluding trans lesbians. The fact that straight women would be more accepted into that workshop than a lesbian who happens to be trans would. That is lesbophobia. That is violence against women. That is misogyny. The ridiculous amount of shit like this that my lesbian sisters who are trans have to endure every day is lesbophobia- that they would not be able to enjoy a safe space for lesbians and receive resources for lesbians because they just happen to be trans. This is why TERFs get no platform; ya'll have done enough to hurt women. The fact that the Goddess Festival is allowing this kind of violence and discrimination to occur on their grounds is absolutely deplorable and both the Goddess Festival and the Omni Center should be ashamed for even contemplating the idea of allowing TERF ideology to permeate their activism. Like · Reply · 10 · 3 hrs ‪Helen Chase‬ YES. This. Like · Reply · 3 hrs ‪Jeanne Smith‬ Men can't be women and woman can't be men. Sorry, but it is simply not physically possible. Human sexual reproduction will always be binary. Gender will always be imaginary. Altering body chemistry and the appearance of genitals does not change a person's sex. I was supportive of the tranz until I realized they were delusional and trying to force their delusion onto others. Denying physical reality is never going to promote acceptance of gender deviance. Get men who say they are women OUT of feminism, they are only here to to divide, distract and harass actual women. Like · Reply · 3 · 1 hr ‪Ann MH‬ @Renea Goddard so, as a lesbian, would you consider a trans woman a viable sexual partner or nah? Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Justin Sarlo‬ It saddens me to see so many lesbians stating that trans women are not women and cannot be lesbians. Look I don't know the answer to the issue here, but I do know that although I was born with female genitalia, I am not a woman, nor was I ever. And trans women are not men, and never were. Having been forced to live 50+ years as a woman, I fully understand that there are things that trans women have never experienced. Cramps, childbirth, etc. But many cis women have never experienced those things, either. And if I were a trans woman who was a lesbian, with so little space to talk issues and grow and understand - I think I would really be hurt, as well. Believe me, I understand the fear of men taking over the conversation, etc. But, trans women are not men. And never were - except by outward appearance at some point. Perhaps a little kindness and some calming down is in order here to reassess a way forward. Like · Reply · 9 · 3 hrs Hide 13 Replies ‪Helen Chase‬ Thank you so much for your beautiful and eloquent words. Like · Reply · 2 · 3 hrs ‪Andrea Cook‬ So crossdressers were always women too? Like · Reply · 4 · 2 hrs ‪Justin Sarlo‬ You probably need some education, Andrea. Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ biology is real, decided at conception; gender is an idea, a PERFORMANCE we each choose to carry out to whatever extent.... males cant be women (adult human females) and females cant be men (adult human males) Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Lindsey Hugen‬ This was a beautiful comment, Justin. Please ignore these awful TERFs Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr ‪Justin Sarlo‬ "In 1995 and 2000, two independent teams of researchers decided to examine a region of the brain called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTc) in trans- and cisgender men and women. The BSTc functions in anxiety, but is, on average, twice as large and twice as densely populated with cells in men compared to women. This sexual dimorphism is pretty robust, and though scientists don’t know why it exists, it appears to be a good marker of a “male” vs. “female” brain. Thus, these two studies sought to examine the brains of transgender individuals to figure out if their brains better resembled their assigned or chosen sex. Interestingly, both teams discovered that male-to-female transgender women had a BSTc more closely resembling that of cisgender women than men in both size and cell density, and that female-to-male transgender men had BSTcs resembling cisgender men. These differences remained even after the scientists took into account the fact that many transgender men and women in their study were taking estrogen and testosterone during their transition by including cisgender men and women who were also on hormones not corresponding to their assigned biological sex (for a variety of medical reasons). These findings have since been confirmed and corroborated in other studies and other regions of the brain, including a region of the brain called the sexually dimorphic nucleus that is believed to affect sexual behavior in animals. It has been conclusively shown that hormone treatment can vastly affect the structure and composition of the brain; thus, several teams sought to characterize the brains of transgender men and women who had not yet undergone hormone treatment. Several studies confirmed previous findings, showing once more that transgender people appear to be born with brains more similar to gender with which they identify, rather than the one to which they were assigned." Between the (Gender) Lines: the Science of Transgender Identity, Katherine Wu, Harvard University. Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Justin Sarlo‬ Lindsey Hugen Thank you. But, I just want to educate folks. In hopes that we can get past things like this. I think we can all agree that in the current political climate, we are on a very rocky road. And we need to stop this infighting immediately if we are to survive. Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Justin Sarlo‬ Also, ironically, as a trans man, I have always received more negativity from the LGB community than I have from the heterosexual community. Which has kind of hurt a lot. I was there for every battle...AIDS, breast cancer, women's rights, marriage - yet, when I came out as trans, not lesbian, it was as if I had deserted the cause or something. Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Diane Fortune‬ So having a penis doesn't make you male, but having a larger BSTc sectin of your brain does I mean, come on. Like · Reply · 52 mins ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Cordelia Fine has debunked those "studies" Like · Reply · 52 mins ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ also this ‪http://www.sciencemag.org/.../brains-men-and-women-aren-t...‬ The brains of men and women aren’t really that different, study finds SCIENCEMAG.ORG Like · Reply · 49 mins ‪Justin Sarlo‬ I was just trying to explain things to you and try to make a bridge. But you seem determined to burn the bridge. It is in all of our best interests to quit this infighting. I have always known I was a man. But, being the age I am, no one had any clue about transgender folks back then. There are various studies on this subject and the science keeps changing by the minute. But all of it is heading towards gender in the brain is different than parts. If we are reduced to nothing but parts, that is far more misogynistic than I want to think about. Many trans women have vaginas. Many trans men have penises. Whether someone has a vagina or a penis (cis or trans) is absolutely no one's business. You don't know me at all, yet everyone I know personally, when I came out as a trans man, fully understood instantly. Because I have always been a man. I never fit in as a woman...because I wasn't. But having been forced to live as a woman for 50+ years, I fully understand your reticence. It is my hope that somehow, some way, we can bridge this gap and move forward. Because there is no time to waste on fighting each other. The enemy is in the state legislature, the congress, the white house. Not between us. Like · Reply · 41 mins ‪Justin Sarlo‬ One last thing...I'm not sure how things are in Seattle or San Diego, but here in the south, we have some issues. Lord, we have some issues. But it is incumbent upon every natural born southerner that we are polite despite some of the other horrific events that go on here. So, please do not try to tell me I'm something that I'm not. That is just impolite. Like · Reply · 35 mins Write a reply... ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans women are biological women. Like · Reply · 5 · 3 hrs ‪Andrea Cook‬ Go back to high school and study biology a little harder please. Like · Reply · 11 · 2 hrs ‪Cheryl Biren‬ Are you referring to the human species human? What is a biological woman? Like · Reply · 3 · 2 hrs ‪Emmalucy Jones‬ LOL, say it until you're blue in the face but it's not true. Complete and utter falsehood. Like · Reply · 8 · 2 hrs ‪Melanie Schneiter‬ The fuck they are not they are male. You must of flunked out of biology class Like · Reply · 3 · 1 hr ‪Warcry Priya‬ If you need to lie Renea, and deny fact, science, physical reality etc and rely on alternative facts to further your narrative, then it is your narrative that is the problem. Not those who question it, using logic, critical thinking etc. Sorry to see t...See More The Trans Women Who Say That Trans Women Aren’t Women SLATE.COM Like · Reply · 2 · 56 mins Write a reply... ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans women are not men. Like · Reply · 4 · 3 hrs Hide 13 Replies ‪Renea Goddard‬ Gametes don't have a gender. Gender and sex are socially constructed categories so try again Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Even sex chromosomes aren't really sex chromosomes. They're just chromosomes responsible for certain physical traits. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Sex does not exist. Your body is programmed to produce certain physical features and hormones. We assign a sex to those physical features. Neither gender nor sex are biological facts. That is very clearly evidenced by the fact that there are patterns o...See More Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Cheryl Biren‬ Sex does not exist. What a bunch of bullshit. Where do you think babies come from? Every single one of us is here because a male produced a male gamete and a female produced a female gamete and that female conceived, gestated and birthed us. That is the female sex. A woman is an adult female. Like · Reply · 11 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ We're here because human beings have reproductive organs that allow us to procreate. It's not necessary for procreation to assign arbitrary terms like "male" and "female" to the body parts we use to have children. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Jael Quito‬ Tell me, then, how do two people who produce spermatozoa reproduce? ? What are those people called? What do you call those who produce ova and carry the zygote? Like · Reply · 6 · 1 hr · Edited ‪Renea Goddard‬ We call them WHAT THEY ARE. Men, women, nonbinary, the gender that they ARE. Are you suggesting that our reproductive capabilities should define our identities as human beings? Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Phish Ardinger‬ Reproductive organs are a determining factor in biology of female/ male sex. No person who is made up of male cells can know what it feels like to be a woman and vice versa. Their feelings may be that they feel they dont fit the demands of society co...See More Like · Reply · 6 · 1 hr ‪Jael Quito‬ Production of sperm or ova relates to sex, ie male or female, respectively. That's not something that changes through surgery, clothing or feelz. A female that has reached maturity is a woman. A male that has reached maturity is a man. These are biologically determined categories. If you choose to adopt certain roles assigned to those categories of humans by a society, you still have not changed your biological sex. Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr · Edited ‪Melanie Schneiter‬ Yes they are men Like · Reply · 3 · 1 hr ‪Melanie Schneiter‬ Renea Goddard it is nesscary to define woman and man. For many reasons. One, being males are our oppressors. Two, for medical purposes. Women's needs from medicine are different. Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Melanie Schneiter‬ BTW Renea Goddard intersex still align on female or male. Are medical mutation. Intersexed people don't want to be pawns in your argument . leave them out. They actually dispise trans Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Diane Fortune‬ sex does not exist maybe we don't exist either - how did we get here? Like · Reply · 1 · 51 mins Write a reply... ‪Jill Greff‬ Thank you for contributing to the reasons for the Disappearing L workshop to begin with! The irony would be hilarious if it weren't so sad. Misogyny much? Like · Reply · 17 · 3 hrs ‪Natasha Chart‬ Trans women are male. Fact. There are no male lesbians. That's not a real thing. Like · Reply · 22 · 3 hrs ‪Helen Chase‬ That's right. There are not male lesbians. Because transwomen are women. 😊 Like · Reply · 3 · 3 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Trans women are biological females. Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs ‪Natasha Chart‬ You all sound just like this guy, who showed up years late for his Warrant audition. The comments are pretty great though, and that's because outside the bubble of the alleged friends who will turn on you, and even try to get you fired, in an instant if you disagree with them, what you're saying is easily recognized as the pure nonsense that it is. ‪https://youtu.be/k5GYlZKfBmI‬ Are genital preferences transphobic? | Riley J. Dennis The answer is more complicated than you might think. ⇊ Open the description for more info ⇊ ♥SUPPORT ME Patreon (monthly with perks): http://patreon.com/rile... YOUTUBE.COM Like · Reply · 4 · 2 hrs · Edited ‪Andrea Cook‬ Renea Goddard You keep saying this but I don't think you understand what the words "Biological female" actually mean. Maybe bone up on some biology, crack an anatomy textbook, or just have a talk with your parents? Like · Reply · 10 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Andrea Cook Maybe you should go have a talk with your nursing home since you look like you're about a day or 2 from kicking the bucket Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Every female is biologically female. Body parts are not subject to social constructions of gender next Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Cheryl Biren‬ I think Renea needs to read about where babies come from. Like · Reply · 8 · 2 hrs ‪Natasha Chart‬ It's misogynistic to dismiss women because they're older. Also, female means something in mammalian biology, and it relates to the production of non-motile gametes, commonly referred to as eggs. While there are conditions that damage the capacity of the reproductive organs to properly develop or function, the testes and ovaries are at the he foundation of what it means to be male or female. That's it. Wear whatever you want. Work at whatever profession you want these or can. Name yourself as you choose. Your body doesn't change because you want it to. The way people treat you because of that body won't change just because you want it to. Like · Reply · 7 · 2 hrs ‪Gayle Keast‬ When will this nonsense end? Renea Goddard you don't need to get mean about it. I am a Lesbian. ...See More Like · Reply · 7 · 1 hr · Edited ‪Xendawg McDonough‬ Renea Goddard Ageism is offensive too. Keep that in mind. Like · Reply · 5 · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Renea Goddard‬ A woman who is exclusively attracted to other women is a lesbian. A trans woman who is exclusively attracted to other women is a lesbian. Not difficult Like · Reply · 6 · 3 hrs Hide 11 Replies ‪Helen Chase‬ Except apparently VERY difficult for some people. 🙄 Like · Reply · 3 · 3 hrs ‪Cheryl Biren‬ Homosexual means being attracted and wanting to be intimate with someone of the SAME sex. Like · Reply · 7 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ "Homosexual" is a medical term assigned to gay people in the mid 20th century to pathologize our identities as an illness. I'm not homosexual so don't you ever call me that shit. I'm a lesbian. I'm gay. Not homosexual Like · Reply · 3 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ A trans women who is attracted to women are attracted to members of the same sex as her. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Ann MH‬ Renea Goddard are you trans? Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ males cant be lesbians and a male cant be a woman (adult human female) Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr ‪Adalheid Friunt‬ Lesbian = female homosexual. Like · Reply · 6 · 1 hr ‪Melanie Schneiter‬ No, he is a heterosexual male and a fucking rapish one at that. Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Cheryl Biren‬ I didn't call YOU anything Renea. Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Diane Fortune‬ that would make them straight men Like · Reply · 3 · 51 mins ‪Susan Smith‬ The best thing about the transcult is seeing their inane comments insisting on a delusional reality. Like · Reply · 40 mins Write a reply... ‪Christie Flowers‬ How an entire sexuality can be called transphobic is just ridiculous. Again, women are being silenced and told to sit down, shut up, and let others define them. Like · Reply · 26 · 3 hrs Hide 12 Replies ‪Renea Goddard‬ Nah. I'm a lesbian and there is nothing transphobic about my sexuality. Trans women are being silenced and told to shut up again and again and again. Don't stick up for lesbians if you're not including trans lesbians. Like · Reply · 5 · 2 hrs ‪Christie Flowers‬ So why did the event get canceled exactly? If translesbians are lesbians and the event was about the erasure of lesbians? I'm doing a heckin confuse right now Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs ‪Helen Chase‬ Christie, the event was canceled because the workshop coordinator stated in writing that only 'natural born women' were allowed to attend- thus excluding lesbian transwomen. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ The event was for *biological females* only, a rule that specifically targets and excludes trans women by using cissexist language. What the person who wrote that rule failed to understand is that trans women ARE biological females. Like · Reply · 2 · 2 hrs ‪Christie Flowers‬ But gender is a social construct- transwomen are women but you can't just make up things. What do you mean by "biological"? (I'm not trying to come off as rude it's a genuine question) Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs · Edited ‪Cheryl Biren‬ "Trans women ARE biological females." FALSE. Like · Reply · 4 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ I'm saying that if you are a woman then by virtue of that, you are biologically a woman. Sex and gender are categories that are assigned. Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Ann MH‬ Renea Goddard sex isn't "assigned". it's identified. you must be trolling. Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Renea Goddard sex is encoded in every single cell in the body.... male or female.... decided by the sex chromosome carrying sperm at the moment of impregnation/conception; if it delivers a Y chromosome to the X carrying egg, you are a male.... if it delivers an X chromosome you are a female..... and will be till the day you die..... Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ Renea Goddard you ought to sue someone for the woefully erroneous beliefs you hold about human biology Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Cheryl Biren‬ Renea, do you think that humans are conceived, gestated and birthed in a completely arbitrary way? Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr ‪Diane Fortune‬ the existence of lesbians hurts the male lesbians' feelings Like · Reply · 1 · 50 mins Write a reply... ‪Sarah Black‬ These comments are ridiculous. Plenty of trans women are lesbians. Pathetic. Like · Reply · 4 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ You don't have the right to universally define what lesbianism is. Don't speak for me or any other lesbian ever. Like · Reply · 2 · 2 hrs · Edited ‪Sarah Black‬ Judging a woman on her body parts sounds pretty sexist to me. Like · Reply · 4 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Claiming that only women with a certain set of reproductive organs can be lesbians is objectifying and disgusting Like · Reply · 5 · 2 hrs ‪Natasha Chart‬ Then I'm sure you're all over criticizing people who want to rebrand women as menstruators, vagina-havers, people with a uterus, and lesbians as vagina fetishists, no? Like · Reply · 7 · 2 hrs ‪Sahila ChangeBringer‬ males cant be lesbians..... males also cant be women (adult human females).... males wearing womanface are not actual females/women, hence cant be lesbians --- they are straight males Like · Reply · 5 · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Renea Goddard‬ Categorically excluding trans women from lesbianism is lesbophobia and misogyny against trans lesbians. Like · Reply · 6 · 2 hrs · Edited Write a reply... ‪Natasha Chart‬ Men don't directly suffer misogyny or lesbophobia. Not even if they really want to and it makes them sad. Like · Reply · 16 · 2 hrs · Edited ‪Natasha Chart‬ Erasing comments pointing out that men can't suffer misogyny won't protect you from misogyny if you're a woman, just so you know. Like · Reply · 12 · 2 hrs ‪Linda Phillips‬ This is the first I've heard of this festival but I can say, even if was just down the street I would likely not attend due to this decision. If you believe in equality, it should be equality for all. If a trans woman, who is a lesbian woman wants to attend a conference on lesbian women, why is anyone against that? i don't get it. Either you want equality for all or are just interested in your group alone, which is elitist seperatism, don't dare to talk about equality. You obviously have no idea what the word means or stands for. I'm not angry, just disheartened that marginalized communities cannot come together lovingly and supportively to understand one another and lift each other up. As lesbians, weren't we many times misunderstood, insulted, bullied, dispised? Have you lost your hearts to reach out and draw close those needing our understanding and compassion? Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs ‪Brittany Dorkin‬ Trans women will never experience being a lesbian. They physically are incapable of doing so. There is nothing wrong with excluding people from a discussion who cannot relate to the issues being discussed. Trans women cannot fully know or relate to being a lesbian in this world Like · Reply · 14 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Tell that to all the trans lesbians existing and thriving and showing more love and support to women than you ever will Like · Reply · 2 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Oh wait you probably do tell them since you're a transmisogynist lmfao Like · Reply · 2 hrs ‪Brittany Dorkin‬ Trans women cant experience being a lesbian because they dont have womens biology Like · Reply · 8 · 2 hrs ‪Renea Goddard‬ Women have women's biology. Next Like · Reply · 1 · 2 hrs ‪Brittany Dorkin‬ What is womens biology then? Like · Reply · 7 · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Nan Harris Dunlap‬ Trans Inc. wins yet again... Like · Reply · 8 · 2 hrs ‪Elizabeth Miller‬ So you cancelled the ONE session at your festival that was about how lesbians are being disappeared by the transactivist movement, and you did so because transactivists bullied you into it, as they so often do with women's and lesbians' attempts to have any space for themselves. So you disappeared The Disappearing L. Do you fail to see the Irony in that? Handmaidens of the patriarchy is what you are. Like · Reply · 17 · 2 hrs · Edited ‪Elizabeth Miller‬ I feel so sorry for this generation of young women -- so many of whom have drunk the MRA koolaid. Some years from now you'll likely wake up and realize what you gave away to try to get the approval of men. I hope it's not too late for you to get it back then. I'm really sad for you. Like · Reply · 15 · 2 hrs Write a reply... ‪Renea Goddard‬ Patriarchy is so lazy that it will use women to do its work. I doubt any of you will ever learn that the #1 enemy of the patriarchy are trans women and ya'll are being used as the tools to perpetuate this violence, but history knows and will remember. Expect resistance Like · Reply · 3 · 2 hrs ‪Natasha Chart‬ Ironic. It's also not violent to know that someone is male. Like · Reply · 10 · 2 hrs ‪Nan Harris Dunlap‬ #1 enemy of the patriarchy??? Hahaha Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr ‪Diane Fortune‬ oh my goodness you are ridiculous Like · Reply · 49 mins Write a reply... ‪Dani Archie‬ Just want to extend some love to all the trans women who are enduring all the TERFy hate in this thread. You are valid and deserve better. Much love. 💖💙💖 Like · Reply · 7 · 2 hrs ‪Dani Archie‬ WTF? A slur? Lol. Which word in the term do you not agree with? Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Jill Greff‬ They only allow slurs against females. Slurs against males are not allowed. Like · Reply · 5 · 1 hr ‪Renea Goddard‬ "TERF is a slur" I'm laughing so hard rn Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Renea Goddard‬ How many of you stupid white bitches have ever been called a slur in your entire life? Get the fuck out of here. Like · Reply · 1 · 1 hr ‪Renea Goddard‬ Apparently calling women trans exclusionary radical feminists when they espouse trans-exclusionary radical feminism is misogynistic. Nietzsche was right and words have no meaning 😂😂😂😂😂 Like · Reply · 2 · 1 hr ‪Dani Archie‬ ‪Renea Goddard🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂💀💀💀‬ Like · Reply · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Cassidy Williams‬ Stop silencing WOMEN. Stop deleting and blocking our voices. Women have a right to decide who they want to associate with--for any reason. I'm a transwoman by the way. A = B, so B = A. Transwomen are women = women are transwomen. Like · Reply · 2 · 2 hrs ‪Dani Archie‬ Black women are women = women are black women? Tall women are women = women are tall women? Makes about as much sence as your statement. Grammar lesson: trans is an adjective. Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Dani Archie‬ Hmm. No one has a response to this? Like · Reply · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Elizabeth Miller‬ For anyone who wants to learn : ‪https://sexandgenderintro.com/‬ Like · Reply · 10 · 2 hrs ‪Elizabeth Miller‬ ‪https://youtu.be/Ot8cBm0YmXo‬ The End of Gender: Revolution, Not Reform | Deep Green… YOUTUBE.COM Like · Reply · 9 · 2 hrs Write a reply... ‪Emmalucy Jones‬ Trans ideology is anti feminism. ‪https://elementalwitch.wordpress.com/.../transgenderism.../‬ Like · Reply · 13 · 1 hr ‪Rob O'Nale‬ Only if your version of feminism is blinded by privilege and bigotry. Like · Reply · 1 hr ‪Natasha Chart‬ Women aren't privileged over men on the basis of sex. If you believe otherwise, you aren't a feminist. Like · Reply · 3 · 1 hr Write a reply... ‪Ann MH‬ Cowardice. Like · Reply · 8 · 1 hr ‪Xendawg McDonough‬ I am appalled that you would suggest a workshop called "The Disappearing L", and then ensure that the L continues to disappear by caving in to transactivists and cancelling the workshop. It would be ironic if it was not so sickening and infuriating. Like · Reply · 14 · 1 hr ‪Michele Chapais‬ You clearly DON'T have a strong partnership with your lesbian community. Did you get their side of the story before you cancelled this event? You should reinstate it immediately, even if you have to hold it off-site from the rest of the Goddess Festival. I'm so sick of lesbians being thrown under the bus in favor of a handful of trans persons! Like · Reply · 8 · 1 hr ‪Judith Sara‬ Lesbians need our own space sometimes especially at a goddess festival. Like · Reply · 6 · 1 hr ‪Elizabeth Miller‬ Here is a place you can learn about "The Disappearing L" (and frankly, about the disappearing W!): ‪http://www.femaleerasure.com/‬ Like · Reply · 4 · 1 hr ‪Vajra Ma‬ By canceling "Disappering L" you have disappeared L's and prove th need for this workshop that you cancelled. Inclusion must include biological women's needs, biological lesbians, yet you choose to exclude the needs and concerns of biological women in the name of "inclusion" of biological men who desire to be women, but are rather transwomen. This is not inclusion and healing for all, but exclusion of biological women as a real and living class of human beings. The Goddess is diversity in reality. The Goddess does not erase distinction in order to create. She is distinction, diversity and unity through distinction and diversity. You are erasing this diversity and distinction in this decision. Like · Reply · 11 · 1 hr ‪Elizabeth Miller‬ Here's another example of the erasure of LGBT people (spoiler: erasing people is not a positive thing to do): ‪https://community.centeronhalsted.org/emailviewonwebpage...‬ Like · Reply · 3 · 1 hr