Transmisogyny, Colonialism and Online Anti‑Trans Activism Following Violent Extremist Attacks in the US and EU

The main themes identified were the erasure of trans identities, particularly transmasculinity, the overlap between transmisogyny and other forms of discrimination, and the demonisation of trans people. [...] Transmisogyny – the specific oppression of transgender women – is not only a defence of colonial‑style control, but also a reassertion of the desirability of masculinity and everything that comes with it.8 This includes, crucially, the ability and authority to enact violence and aggression. [...] Erasure of Trans Identities The erasure of trans identities is common among far‑right networks, with the refusal to accept trans identities as valid, the labelling of trans people as mentally ill, and the deliberate use of incorrect pronouns, for example. [...] The centralisation of homophobic narratives over transphobic narratives is likely to be a reflection of the decentralisation of trans identities within the attack, compared to the central nature of trans identities in the Nashville attack. [...] The main themes identified were the erasure of trans identities, particularly transmasculinity, the overlap between transmisogyny and other forms of discrimination, and the demonisation of trans people.