rise of the terf

By Marsh (Edi) Baptise

At its core, gender-critical feminism emphasizes the significance of biological sex as the foundation of women’s rights. Advocates argue that many of the inequities women face—such as pay disparities, domestic violence, and reproductive healthcare—are inextricably linked to their biological sex, rather than socially constructed gender identities. For this reason, they contend that policies and laws that prioritize gender identity over biological sex risk diluting the progress feminists have made over decades.

One of the movement's main tenets is the belief that women’s spaces—such as domestic violence shelters, prisons, and sports—were created to address the specific vulnerabilities of females. Gender-critical feminists argue that allowing male-bodied individuals who identify as women to access these spaces undermines the very purpose of these protections. From their perspective, safeguarding these spaces is not about exclusion but about ensuring safety, fairness, and dignity for women.

The momentum behind the gender-critical movement can also be attributed to the rapid rise of gender self-identification policies in education, healthcare, and legal systems. Many gender-critical feminists argue that this shift has occurred without sufficient public debate or scientific scrutiny. The growing presence of gender ideology in schools, for instance, has raised concerns among parents and educators about how concepts of gender are taught to children, particularly regarding young girls struggling with body image or societal pressures.

In healthcare, the increased prevalence of medical transitions among minors—particularly girls—has further fueled concerns. Gender-critical feminists point to the sharp rise in the number of adolescent females seeking puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones as evidence that gender ideology disproportionately affects young women. Critics of these medical interventions argue that they risk causing irreversible physical harm, including impacts on fertility and bone development, while failing to address underlying psychological issues such as trauma, autism, or social pressures.

This cultural shift has left many women feeling alienated, particularly those who see gender identity as overshadowing the structural inequalities that feminism was created to address. Gender-critical feminists view their movement as a necessary course correction, reclaiming feminism’s focus on sex-based oppression and the unique experiences of biological women.

A driving force behind the movement’s momentum is the perception that dissenting voices are being silenced in the name of inclusivity. Many gender-critical feminists report facing social ostracism, professional consequences, or online harassment for raising concerns about gender ideology. Public figures such as author J.K. Rowling and philosopher Kathleen Stock have been vilified for their gender-critical views, yet their willingness to speak out has galvanized many others to join the conversation.

This silencing effect has created a rallying cry for gender-critical advocates, who frame their struggle as not only a fight for women’s rights but also a defense of free speech and open debate. For many, the refusal to allow robust discussion about gender and its implications signals a dangerous erosion of democratic principles, further fueling their resolve to challenge prevailing norms.

One of the most striking aspects of the gender-critical movement is its intergenerational appeal. While older feminists—many of whom were instrumental in the women’s liberation movements of the 20th century—are at the forefront, younger women are increasingly joining the cause. Many are driven by concerns about the pressures young girls face in an era dominated by social media, unrealistic beauty standards, and now, the added complexity of gender identity discourse.

Grassroots organizations such as Women’s Place UK and Safe Schools Alliance have mobilized to challenge policies they view as harmful to women and girls. These groups focus on safeguarding sex-based rights, ensuring fairness in sports, and promoting evidence-based approaches to healthcare for gender-questioning youth. Their efforts have not only amplified the movement’s message but also demonstrated the widespread support for gender-critical perspectives among women from diverse backgrounds.

As gender-critical feminism continues to gain momentum, it raises critical questions about how to balance the rights of transgender individuals with the need to protect sex-based rights and safeguards for women. Advocates of the movement argue that inclusivity should not come at the expense of fairness or safety, and that open dialogue is essential to addressing these complex issues.

While critics often accuse the gender-critical movement of being exclusionary or transphobic, its proponents reject these labels, emphasizing that their focus is on protecting women rather than discriminating against others. For many, the rise of this movement is a necessary response to the challenges posed by gender ideology—a reaffirmation of feminism’s commitment to fighting for women’s rights in a rapidly changing world.

The rise of gender-critical feminism represents a pivotal moment in the broader feminist movement. At its heart, it reflects a deep concern for the erosion of sex-based rights and a determination to ensure that women’s voices are not overshadowed in the pursuit of inclusivity. As the debate continues to evolve, the gender-critical movement stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of feminism and its commitment to protecting the unique experiences and rights of women.