SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In the end, while people put their lives on the line in the streets, protesting institutional and state racism, especially anti-Black racism, Rowling, a white super-rich woman, a self-proclaimed feminist, a wannabe lesbian-protector and women’s defender, chose exactly this moment for her tweets because terfism is an activity people do for pleasure. A luxury because there is no need for other politics for them. Everyone who is concerned about ‘women’s safety’ and uses anti-trans argumentation is not really concerned about anyone’s safety. It is a distraction from all the anti-racist, trans/queer/feminist struggles going on to keep us and each other and our communities safe. Right now, the questions we should be asking about safety: 1) How many Black and brown people, including many trans people of colour, have died from Covid in the UK? Who keeps them safe? 2) How many Black and brown people have died from institutional and state violence? Who keeps them safe? 3) How many Black and brown trans people have been murdered? Who keeps them safe? 4) How many Black and brown people have been murdered by white supremacists and fascists? Who keeps them safe?