Misogynoir Transformed
A study guide of Moya Bailey’s 2021 book ‘Misogynoir Transformed: Black Women's Digital Resistance.’
Summary, part 3
Chapter 2: Transforming Misogynoir Through Trans Advocacy
Bailey introduces this chapter by focusing on Redefining Realness: My Journey to Womanhood by Janet Mock. This memoir is both an explanation of the Black women's experiences as trans women, as well as a touchstone work for other trans women on their journey. Laverne Cox calls this book the epitome of a “possibility model,” a term coined by the actress to mean not a role model, not someone you wish to emulate, but someone who provides a vision of what life could be. See Mock’s YouTube channel for explanations of her more nuanced and complicated terms. Bailey uses this book, and the other examples in this chapter, to show how “Black women are repurposing the capitalist tools of social media into tools that allow them to grow community, share resources, and even advocate for each other’s safety and health” (p. 71).
#GirlsLikeUs
This hashtag was begun by Janet Mock in reaction to Jenna Talackova, a multiracial trans woman contestant for Miss Universe, being denied access to a pageant. A petition was launched in conjunction and as a result, she was allowed to participate. It is unclear if this act is inherently feminist, as ultimately, it allowed a single person to be a part of an exclusive club that set the beauty standards for Black trans women. Bailey, however, recognizes that these acts will not always be feminist, but they will always be transformative. Over time, the hashtag continued to be used by the Black trans community as a source of connection, as an opportunity to discuss and give advice. Conversations tagged with #GirlsLikeUs are most often between trans women discussing issues that concern their community. The hashtag is also used in conjunction with #TWOC, or Trans Women of Color.
These two hashtags together show the way that Black women, particularly Black trans women, have used digital alchemy to create their own section of the internet that fights misogynoir. Black women share pictures of themselves and receive positive affirmations and ask questions about how to navigate relationships (Black trans women are at a much higher rate of facing domestic violence within their relationships). Black trans women also mourn and amplify the death of other Black trans women, such as Ms. Cemia “Ce Ce” Acoff, a Black trans woman who was murdered in Ohio. This heightened awareness and opportunity for community mourning strengthens the community. Through this hashtag, networks are formed, both online and offline, which actively fight misogynoir.
The Health of #GirlsLikeUs
Bailey uses this section to specifically cover the way that health and healthcare are discussed in #GirlsLikeUs tweets. This hashtag is used to highlight the unique physical and mental health concerns within the trans community especially. The tweets in the hashtag highlight that “the type of care trans patients are trying to access is the same care that cis people take for granted; access to hormones and surgery that are medically necessary is routinely denied despite the state and federal mandates that prohibit such discrimination” (p. 85). The hashtag also makes connections to other areas of the internet that provide access and information, such as vlogs and YouTube videos that give recommendations concerning trans-friendly doctors and depictions of the body changing through transition. Bailey also points out that when trans people have difficulty finding accepting healthcare providers, their health suffers in other ways as well. This leads to higher levels of stress, which is only exacerbated further when another Black trans woman is found dead. The constant living in fear in a heteronoramtive world that Black trans women must exist with is detrimental to their health.
#FreeCeCe
Free CeCe was borne out of an event where CeCe McDonald and her friends were verbally and physically assaulted by racist, homophobic, and transphobic neo-Nazis as they were running errands. McDonald keeps fabric scissors in her purse for her protection, and she was forced to use them during the assault, fatally injuring one of the attackers. She was charged with two counts of second-degree murder—up to 40 years in prison. During the trial, the judge did not allow into evidence the large swastika tattoo across the deceased's chest or his positive toxicology report of illicit substances. Instead, the judge allowed for the discussion of McDonald writing one bad check in the past as evidence of her character.
McDonald had support from her community, though they were not allowed to speak out in court. She was a victim of an unjust system pitted against Black cis and trans women. Bailey breaks down some of the actions taken by Black feminist legal theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw. Read a summary of Crenshaw’s groundbreaking work on Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex here.
Though there was incredible support through #FreeCeCe, Support CeCe, and purple printed t-shirts, McDonald took the plea deal. However, the movement went further, and #FreeCeCe became a topic being discussed on countless platforms. Ultimately, the pressure on this case led to her sentence being dramatically reduced.
After the incident, McDonald asked questions about whether or not the man would have been sentenced if things had turned out differently, and she had been killed. Being trans, queer and Black made her vulnerable, and made her an “unsympathetic survivor” (p. 94).
During her time incarcerated, McDonald took part in generative digital alchemy, or an independent move to create more representation and support for a group, in this case, other women of color (p. 95). She used her voice and her platform to create meaningful connections which in turn sustained her continued support. #FreeCeCe made its way around the world in various protests, discussions on justice, and practical assistance for her family members to get bus passes to visit her.
In 2016, McDonald went on to partner with Laverne Cox to make a documentary on the event. After that, more and more movies and TV shows centered on queer Black trans women. McDonald’s story is one of successful digital activism, and shows how far movements can go when the digital space is used to its potential.