Collectives and political, artistic, activist, and intellectual figures have called for demonstrations in various cities on Sunday, May 5th to denounce what they see as a current “transphobic offensive” against the rights of transgender people. In Paris, a rally is scheduled to take place at Place de la République in the early afternoon, with additional gatherings planned in around forty other cities, including Lyon, Marseille, and Montpellier. Over 800 collectives and individuals, such as Annie Ernaux, Vanessa Springora, Act Up Paris, and Planning familial, have issued a call to action in a statement published by Politis. The left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) has also urged its supporters to join the demonstrations.
The focus of the protests, and the target of the demonstrators’ criticisms, is a report on the transgender identification of minors authored by the conservative party Les Républicains (LR) in the French Senate. Some organizations view this report, which led to a proposed bill set to be debated in a public session on May 28, as a resurgence of conversion therapies, a claim that the authors of the report deny. Additionally, the publication and promotion of the book “Transmania,” described as an investigation into the excesses of transgender identity, have also sparked controversy. Activists argue that the authors’ messages are dangerous and reminiscent of the rhetoric used against homosexuals in the 1980s, which is now being aimed at transgender individuals.
Following pressure from the Paris City Hall, the outdoor advertising company JCDecaux removed posters promoting the book in the capital, acknowledging that the content was contrary to its ethical guidelines. Despite protests to cancel the event, a conference featuring the two authors, who deny being transphobic and decry censorship, is set to take place at the Panthéon-Assas University on Monday evening, organized by the student union La Cocarde étudiante. The university’s president defended the decision to uphold the event, citing the importance of freedom of expression and the role of universities as spaces for the exchange and debate of ideas, even when controversial or challenging.
The event is planned to be filmed, with the university president stating that any transphobic, discriminatory, or homophobic comments made during the conference will result in legal action. This declaration aims to ensure that the event remains respectful and does not promote hate speech or discrimination. The controversy surrounding the book, the conference, and the broader issues of transphobia highlight the ongoing struggles faced by transgender individuals in French society, as well as the importance of upholding fundamental rights and values such as freedom of expression while preventing discrimination and hate speech.
Despite these challenges, the mobilization and resistance from various collectives, activists, and supporters demonstrate a strong commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of transgender individuals. By organizing protests, issuing statements, and engaging in dialogue and debate, these individuals are working to counteract transphobia and discrimination, and to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all. The struggle for equality, respect, and recognition for transgender people is ongoing, but with continued efforts and solidarity, progress towards a more just and inclusive society can be achieved.
