Member-only story

Transgender quislings — dealing with people who actively seek to harm

Rachel Saunders
4 min read3 days ago

--

Photo by José Martin Segura Benites: https://www.pexels.com/photo/botin-charol-negro-27274312/

The question of dealing with collaborators who actively seek to harm a society or community is as old as civilization. The modern concept of Quisling comes from the Norwegian collaborator Vidkun Quisling and his collaboration with the Nazis during their occupation of Norway. That his name is synonymous with traitorous collaboration highlights the depths to which his government stooped, and I would suggest that many of the pick me trans people who are cozying up to fascists are treading the same ground he did.

This is a common problem with minorities who see government oppression baring down on them, hostile policies sweeping up the more radical elements, with collaboration seeming the best option to stave off personal loss of privileges. Those who collaborate face the stark choice between placating an insatiable government who will demand more and more until you have nothing left to give and your minority community which does not have a lot of power but does have the means to resist if you all come together. Trans influencers have long recognised this, with the vast majority siding in some form to build a broader resistance within the community. Those who reject this and decide to collaborate with those who seek to strip trans people of their rights tread a dangerous path.

--

--

Rachel Saunders
Rachel Saunders

Written by Rachel Saunders

Writer, researcher, and generally curious

Responses (1)