Radical Feminism is for Transmen.
Radical feminism is important for transmen because it offers a clear analysis of how patriarchy functions as a system that subordinates people born female. Many transmen grew up experiencing the constraints placed on girls and women—pressures that radical feminism identifies as rooted in sex-based oppression. This framework can help transmen make sense of their early experiences, not as personal issues, but as part of a larger political structure. It also encourages critical reflection on how gender roles and expectations may shape the desire to transition, especially in a society that punishes gender nonconformity.
Rather than being in opposition to trans identities, radical feminism’s goal of dismantling gender hierarchy can align with transmen's struggles for autonomy and authenticity. It challenges the idea that identity must conform to rigid gender roles and opens up the possibility of a world where people aren’t forced to modify their bodies or behaviour to be accepted. For transmen, engaging with radical feminist thought can offer a powerful language for understanding our lives and forging solidarity with others resisting the limits of patriarchal gender norms.
Meet Aaron Kimberly, RN
I was born female with a rare ovotesticular disorder which wasn't discovered until age 16. Ovotesticular disorders of sex development (DSD) are characterized by both ovarian and testicular tissue occurring in the same individual - either an ovary on one side and a testicle on the other, or both tissues in the same gonad. The gonads are usually undescended and the other sex organs are underdeveloped. This condition is thought to occur due to genetic variations and is more common among people of African descent. Sex assignment is typically based on the appearance of external sex organs. However, it's not uncommon for females with this condition to seek legal reassignment to male as adults. This condition is rare, so I'm not representative of the many different reasons women may choose to masculinize their appearance and legally change sex. Whatever the motivation, I believe it's important that transmen retain a firm awareness and acceptance of our sexed bodies.
I'm a Registered Nurse with a specialization in psychiatric nursing. I've held roles as a staff nurse on a psychiatric stabilization unit at St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Clinical Nurse Educator with the BC Provincial Tertiary Eating Disorders Program, Clinical Supervisor at Foundry Kelowna, Clinical Instructor for the School of Psychiatric Nursing at Brandon University, and staff nurse in Geriatric Psychiatry at Brandon Regional Hospital. I've been a subject matter expert on gender dysphoria since 2019 and have advised individuals, families, educators, clinicians, policymakers, law firms, and faith communities.
I'm now a graduate student, with a focus on feminist theory and lesbian studies.
My Specializations
Sex-Based Analysis & Thought Leadership
Developing Resources which Empower Transmen
Shaping Law & Policy
Rethinking Evidence-Based Clinical Practices
Thank you Aaron! It was so helpful to chat with you and I feel like I have some new ideas and a better concept of how to help my kid.
- Anonymous Parent
Thank you again Aaron, you are so warm and smart and accessible and doing such important work.People really loved the session and for me anyway, I’d love to work together at some time in the future and keep in touch.
- Anonymous group leader
Your presentation was a breath of fresh air and helped demystify the experience of gender non-conformity. I learned a lot. Thank-you!
- Anonymous presentation participant