Why Being a Feminist is Not Enough?

Growing up as a child in an urban Indian setup, I always had some glimpses of what we call “the third sex” in the nearby localities.? The feelings and thoughts around the idea of this “third sex” were always of an unfortunate mockery and fear. I saw it as some men dressed as women who come from somewhere and go somewhere. Nobody knows where they live. They come around when some “supposedly auspicious” event happens in the families. You are not supposed to talk to them and be around them. You can laugh at them but not in front of them. You have to ignore them when they are around.? They don't go to offices like your fathers. They don't live in houses like your mothers. No wonder what they do.?

This is how gender was or may be, is being introduced to us in this world. As we grow up, we start making sense of these things and we do think about what is the “third gender” and who are these people we see sometimes hanging around, or do we?

In this fast-paced world where people are touring to the moon and Mars. Have we ever really thought about the unspoken existence of genders who are maybe living just around the corner? Whom we see every day around traffic signals! Who is talking about them??So much around us goes completely unseen, unspoken, and unfelt.

I travel frequently, almost every month, through buses, trains, taxis, and on foot. The feeling of belonging to a particular gender identity is so common. Being single, having a career, and working in India, not one day passes, without someone or something reminding me of being a woman.

It has been a couple of decades, seeing that there has been a constant battle going on between two gender identities. Intellectually, this battle felt right for most of my life, and it is, to quite an extent, thanks to patriarchy. But is it right in reality? Is it justified? Does it do justice to everyone?

Would this battle be over when everyone becomes a feminist? Is feminism about equality for every individual? Let’s find out.

?Internet says (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Merriam-Webster)

“Feminism is the belief in and advocacy for the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. It seeks to address and rectify the inequalities women face in various spheres of life, aiming for equal rights and opportunities. Originating in response to traditional restrictions on women's rights, feminism has evolved to encompass a wide range of issues globally. It includes organized activities and movements that champion women's rights and interests, often addressing intersections with race, class, and other social categories to highlight compound discrimination effects “

Once I went through some basic definitions of feminism, I could exactly figure out why, for years, in my life, I have hesitated to call myself a feminist.

Not because it talks about striking a balance for women in society but because it does not talk about the other sexes.

As Kamla Bhasin, a famous developmental feminist activist said during a show Satyamev Jayate in 2012, The opposite of patriarchy is not a matriarchal society, but equality.

The fight was never between the binaries and that is, exactly what is wrong with mainstream feminism.

Mainstream feminism, though well-intentioned, sometimes misses the mark by focusing too much on the idea of just men and women. This leaves out a lot of people whose experiences don't fit neatly into those categories, like those who are intersex, non-binary, or transgender. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces – you can't see the whole picture if some parts are ignored.

Gender-based reservation steps in as a more inclusive solution. It acknowledges that inequality isn't just about being male or female, but about the way society treats people based on their gender. By setting aside opportunities or positions specifically for groups who face discrimination – like women, transgender folks, and non-binary individuals – it's like giving them a fair shot at the opportunities others might take for granted.

Think of it as making sure everyone gets a seat at the table. Gender-based reservation recognizes that some people have been left standing for too long, and it's time to make room for them. It's not about favoritism; it's about recognizing the diverse experiences and struggles people face because of their gender.

Ultimately, it's about making society more fair and inclusive for everyone. By embracing gender diversity and actively working to level the playing field, we can create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive, regardless of where they fall on the gender spectrum.

For those interested in understanding critiques of mainstream feminism and the concept of gender-based reservations, here are three essential readings:

1. "Gender Trouble" by Judith Butler:

This groundbreaking book challenges the binary view of gender and explores the complexity of gender identity. Butler's theory of gender performativity is central to contemporary discussions about gender fluidity and non-binary identities. You can access it here (Internet Archive).

2. "Transgender History" by Susan Stryker:

This book provides a comprehensive overview of transgender history, detailing the struggles and achievements of transgender people. It offers valuable insights into the limitations of binary gender frameworks and advocates for a more inclusive understanding of gender. Find it here.

3. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Reports:

The HRC offers various reports and articles that provide data and analysis on the experiences of non-binary and transgender individuals. These resources are invaluable for understanding the real-world implications of gender-based discrimination and the necessity of inclusive policies.