An Open Letter from Cis and Trans Women
Standing Together Against Anti-Trans Rhetoric
A powerful campaign titled “Not In Our Name” has been launched by a collective of cisgender women determined to confront anti-trans narratives gaining traction in media and politics. Organized in partnership with the Good Law Project, the initiative has already gathered over 61,500 signatures, winning support from notable figures such as Beverley Knight, Kate Nash, and Carla Denyer, co-leader of the UK Green Party.
Shining a Light on Overlooked Solidarity
Launched during Trans Awareness Week (November 13–19), the letter addresses a critical gap in public discourse: the absence of cis women’s visible support for the trans community. One member of the group, who spoke with PinkNews on condition of anonymity, said, “It’s a perspective that’s too often missing.”
She stressed the reality that most cisgender women do not hold transphobic beliefs. Limiting signatures to cis women, she explained, was a strategic choice—to amplify the voices of a demographic that is frequently misrepresented or used as a tool in debates about transgender rights. “This is a concrete expression of solidarity,” she added.
Countering a Misleading Public Narrative
Group representatives argue that a small but vocal faction—particularly gender-critical radical feminists, commonly referred to as TERFs—have assumed a monopoly on speaking for all women. These views, while often platformed in mainstream media and political dialogue, do not reflect the beliefs of the majority.
“That’s not us,” she said, firmly rejecting the idea that anti-trans views are widely held among women.
The collective stands against the notion that supporting trans women compromises the rights of cis women. Instead, they champion an inclusive feminist movement and warn that transphobia is being used to create division and distract from systemic inequalities.
Challenging Misconceptions and Scapegoating
The letter also takes aim at widespread inaccuracies and harmful generalizations about the trans community. The signatories emphasize that it is entirely possible to be a strong advocate for women’s rights while also defending trans rights. The collective references public figures—such as author J.K. Rowling—as examples of how fame can fuel divisive narratives and misinformation.
“Including trans people—especially trans women—is not antifeminist,” the spokesperson emphasized. “This narrative only seeks to turn us against one another, and we refuse to accept it.”
Although the group respects the right to dissenting opinions on gender theory, they point out that many critics struggle with embracing the diversity of human identity. This letter seeks to highlight that these exclusionary views are not mainstream.
Redirecting Focus to Urgent Women’s Issues
Addressing dismissive attitudes from some celebrities, such as Keira Knightley, the group insists that silence is no longer acceptable in the face of evolving public discourse. Their message is resolute: every individual deserves dignity, equality, and the right to live free from bigotry.
They also challenged the narrative that centers trans people as a distraction from women’s struggles. For example, recent data revealed that over 1.6 million women in England and Wales were victims of domestic abuse from 2023 to 2024. Moreover, 89% of sexual violence offenders were men.
“Women face real, serious challenges—but trans people are not the cause of them,” she firmly stated.
A Call for Compassion and Unity
Even amid rising tensions, the letter conveys a hopeful message for a more inclusive and compassionate future. The group highlights the work of political figures like Zohran Mamdani, a New York City council member, and Zack Polanski of the UK Green Party, who use their platforms to combat misinformation and promote solidarity.
“These are allies unafraid to challenge abuse and confront injustice,” she concluded.