In the past, I have been accused of “fatphobia” and other labels by people who do not understand our practice and who do not understand our stance toward helping people who wish to lose weight. I have been advised by some very shouty people that an eating disorder service and a weight change service should not sit at the same therapy table.
After the Supreme Court judgement, and before, I notice that the word “transphobia” has been used as a weapon against people who simply want to express their disagreement or reservations regarding how they were taught to think about sex and gender. And some people are using this word and other epithets against people who feel okay about the Supreme Court decision.
I’ve noticed that I feel uncomfortable when the term ‘fatphobia’ or ‘transphobia’ is used to describe opinions rather than actions or hate. Phobia has a very specific meaning, implying aversion and fear.
I understand these words are meant to raise awareness, but personally, I find them problematic for discussing different viewpoints. There are other words to express how people think and feel about these issues; how about “anti-fat bias” or “trans-sceptic”.
I accept that many use these terms to highlight systemic bias or social injustice, but this kind of weaponised language can oversimplify complex issues. Labels like these have hindered open dialogue and the respectful exchange of ideas. These terms carry some contentious attitudes, such as the fat activists trying to teach us that fatness and illness are not related. Or that antifat attitudes derive from racism (which they absolutely do NOT). Like trans activists insisting that rights for dignity, inclusion and safety apply one way, such that women wanting safe spaces are bigots.
We need to discuss differences in opinion without feeling attacked but right now, I hold out little hope and there will be a lot of polarisation. Do you think it would be helpful to consider different terms to describe attitudes without implying an inherent terror, or hatred? Thinking that woman or man is a biological term does not prevent me from showing compassion in the counselling space. Helping a person to change their weight (without dieting or boot-camping) does not mean that I have less concern for them than for their size.