Transmisogyny

Transmisogyny describes the intersection of transphobia and misogyny. Transphobia is defined as the negative attitudes toward, and discrimination of, transgender people based on their gender identity and gender expression. Misogyny means the denigration and hatred of women and characteristics associated with the feminine. Originally used by Julia Serano in the 2007 edition of her book Whipping Girl, transmisogyny most often targets transgender women. Furthermore, gender nonconforming and transfeminine (transfem) assigned male at birth but identify with femininity, persons who may not identify as women but who present as feminine may also be the targets of transmisogyny. Culturally competent counselors need to understand the definition and experience of transmisogyny to provide comprehensive and ethical care to transgender and transfem clients.

While many people are familiar with the definition of sexism, they may not be familiar with the newer term cissexism. Similar to transphobia, cissexism also includes negative attitudes toward transgender people; however, cissexism goes a step further in assuming that everyone is cisgender as a default identity. While individuals can express cissexist beliefs, cissexism more often refers to institutional and systemic structures that are based on, and promote, cissexism and cissexist beliefs attitudes. Transmisogyny includes components of misogyny, transphobia, sexism, and cissexism toward transgender women and transfem persons. Professional counselors must understand the unique challenges and difficulties of transgender women and transfem persons to adhere to the American Counseling Association’s ethical standards and the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies.

This entry includes sections on the causes of transmisogyny and the intersection of violence and transmisogyny. This entry concludes with a brief review of how to provide culturally competent services in working with transgender and transfem clients in clinical practice who may be dealing with transmisogyny. Examples from professional guidelines on culturally competent care related to transgender clients are provided.