Transgender A Withdraws from Sookmyung Women's University Admission
Feminist Group: "Women's Universities Are Not a Means for Men to Be Recognized as Women"
Sookmyung Women's University Human Rights Club: "Universities Should Not Exclude Any Existence"
Busan Women's Organizations Coalition: "Need to Consider the Reason Women's Universities Were Established"
On the 6th, at the bulletin board of Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul, a poster welcoming the admission of a 'transgender male' (left) and a poster opposing it (right) were posted side by side. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Transgender individual A (22), who transitioned from male to female and was finally admitted to the College of Law at Sookmyung Women's University, ultimately gave up enrollment due to backlash on campus, raising concerns that our society harbors discrimination and prejudice against sexual minorities.
In particular, at Sookmyung Women's University, where A intended to enroll, a series of large posters expressing both support and opposition to the admission sparked intense conflict.
However, some women's universities have rebutted that their claims were solely to protect women's safety and not transgender hatred, leading to another controversy. The question arises as to why the admission of a transgender individual to a women's university could pose safety issues for women.
◆ Feminist Groups: "On what grounds does a man become a woman?"
On the 5th, 21 feminist organizations affiliated with Duksung Women's University, Dongduk Women's University, Seoul Women's University, Sungshin Women's University, Sookmyung Women's University, Ewha Womans University, and others issued a statement titled "Opposing Gender Change That Threatens Women's Rights," harshly criticizing, "On what basis can a man claim to be a woman?"
The groups stated, "Currently in Korea, gender change is carried out solely based on a judge's discretionary decision without any legal grounds, so submitting just a few related documents determines whether a man is a woman or not," adding, "Men can freely invade women's spaces and opportunities regardless of women's will. On what grounds and for what reasons do men become women?"
Regarding the first transgender individual admitted to a women's university, they argued, "Passing a women's university just three months after gender change and using the university as a means to prove their changed gender is inappropriate," emphasizing, "Women's universities are not a tool for men to be recognized as women but exist for women who have been discriminated against and deprived of opportunities in a male-centered society."
◆ "Claims that transgender individuals pose a threat are a form of violence"
However, some do not agree with these claims. B, a worker in their 30s who said they followed A's intention to enroll and subsequent withdrawal at Sookmyung Women's University through the news, stated, "The argument that women's safety could be compromised simply because a transgender individual enrolls in a women's university is hard to accept."
They added, "Everyone deserves safety, but the claim that the existence of transgender people could threaten that safety seems like a form of violence."
Another worker in their 20s said, "I can understand safety concerns that might arise specifically at women's universities, but I don't think a 'transgender' enrolling there would cause problems," raising their voice, "This is simply discrimination and hateful prejudice."
Such views also emerged within Sookmyung Women's University, where A gave up enrollment. The university's public interest and human rights academic club 'Gachi' posted a rebuttal poster titled "What Justifies Hatred?"
Gachi argued, "A identifies as a transgender 'woman,' and the claim that transgender individuals cannot enroll is transgender hatred."
They continued, "The assertion that only 'biological women' are 'real women' is a genital-centric view," emphasizing, "This repeats the existing misogynistic perspective that views women as sexual objects."
Gachi added the subtitle "Beyond Difference and Exclusion, We Demand Diverse Equality" to the poster and urged, "We hope the university becomes a place of learning that excludes no one."
◆ "Those who empathize only with transgender emotions are misogynists"
On the other hand, voices claim that women's spaces could be endangered. C, a worker in their mid-30s who graduated from a women's university and is currently employed, said, "I don't think the argument is about blocking transgender individuals from enrolling in women's universities," but questioned, "If someone transitions from male to female and is legally recognized as female by the court or the state, does that immediately make them a woman?"
They added, "At this point, women may find it hard to empathize," and pointed out, "Before the transgender women's university admission controversy, society needs a deep discussion on why women are feeling anxious."
On the 6th, at the bulletin board of Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul, a large poster welcoming the admission of a 'transgender male' (left) and another poster opposing it (right) were posted side by side. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Also, the feminist small group 'PIEATER'S' at Sookmyung Women's University criticized through a poster, "You always call us transgender-haters and 'women' haters for not embracing transgender men," and stated, "However, you who empathize only with the feelings of transgender individuals who are biologically male, while still not sympathizing with the pain, fear, and anxiety of the most vulnerable biological women, are the real misogynists."
Meanwhile, some voices support their stance. Jeong-hee Byeon, representative of the Busan Women's Organization Alliance, wrote on her Facebook on the 30th of last month, "This is the point that must be considered in the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act. In this situation where extreme violence against women occurs almost daily, we must thoughtfully consider why women's universities, women's spaces, women's shelters, and women's restrooms were created."
She continued, "As I always say, this is not an issue of hatred against sexual minorities. Violence against women is a problem caused by gender/power, and how can we talk about women's issues without considering the fear and anxiety toward men in general, men’s experiences, and the very existence of men?"
She added, "This does not treat all transgender individuals as potential criminals. Such objections are no different from accusing all men of being potential criminals," warning, "This will ultimately silence women's voices."
She emphasized, "Just as we consider how to address transgender individuals' 'gender' dysphoria, we must also consider how to actively secure women's spaces. The issues of female soldiers and women's universities are just the beginning."
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