The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling Chapter 4: TERF Wars
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Mar 7, 2023 
Helen Lewis, a journalist from The Atlantic, and Michelle Goldberg, a columnist, dive into the complexities of feminism and trans rights. They discuss the term 'TERF,' its polarizing nature, and J.K. Rowling’s concerns about the silencing of women. The duo explores tensions between feminist ideals and the trans rights movement, emphasizing the considerations around women's spaces and the implications of self-identification policies. They also touch on the rise in youth referrals for gender transitions and the urgent need for research and dialogue in these heated conversations.
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TERF Became A Catchall Pejorative
- The term TERF is deeply polarizing and means different things to different people.
- Helen Lewis says it functions as a shorthand to dismiss critics rather than a precise label.
Masked Protests Shut Down Feminist Meetings
- Rowling describes witnessing aggressive, masked protesters disrupting feminist meetings.
- She framed the actions as threats to free speech and association.
Feminism Grounded In Sexed Realities
- Rowling's feminism is rooted in sex-class harms like male violence and safety.
- She argues naming biological sex is essential to protecting women's rights.
