The topic of bodily autonomy has been central to both feminist and transgender activists for decades.
There is still much debate about whether these movements can find common ground through this concept. Bodily autonomy refers to an individual's right to control their own body and decide what they do with it without outside interference. This means that people have the freedom to make choices regarding their bodies such as what they wear, what medical procedures they undergo, and how they express themselves physically. Both feminism and trans liberation advocate for respecting individuals' bodily integrity and reject coercion or violence against them based on gender norms. But there are differences between the two perspectives on bodily autonomy.
Feminism has historically emphasized women's rights, which includes reproductive autonomy, access to abortion, and contraception.
Feminists argue that women should have control over their reproductive systems, including the right to terminate pregnancy if necessary. They also believe that men should not have power over women's bodies, including their sexual desires and practices. Meanwhile, trans liberation seeks to challenge traditional gender roles and recognize non-binary identities. It argues that individuals should be able to choose their physical appearance and expression according to their identity rather than society's expectations. Trans liberation calls for legal recognition of trans people's identities and access to healthcare related to transitioning.
Despite these differences, some scholars suggest that bodily autonomy could provide a shared foundation for these movements. One argument is that both feminism and trans liberation focus on bodily sovereignty, allowing people to define their gender and sex however they desire. Another argument is that bodily autonomy can create space for individual choice, providing more inclusivity and equality in decision-making processes.
Critics point out that this approach ignores systemic oppression and exclusion that impacts marginalized groups, such as racism, ableism, classism, and poverty. Moreover, it fails to address cultural norms that limit bodily freedom, like religious beliefs or social taboos.
Bodily autonomy remains an important issue for activists across diverse political perspectives. While there are disagreements about its application, it continues to serve as a crucial element of contemporary debates around gender and rights.
Can bodily autonomy serve as a common ethical foundation between feminism and trans liberation?
Transgender people also value bodily autonomy as part of their self-concept. Their experience is similar to that of cisgender women in many ways but may be different on certain points such as pregnancy. There are diverse perspectives within feminist and trans communities about whether bodily autonomy should be the main priority or just one consideration among others.