While scrolling through social media recently, I came across a conversation about ‘transfishing.’ This is a relatively new online trend where cisgender women, primarily adult content creators, pretend to be transgender to gain attention and money. The term emerged from a viral video featuring two women who appeared to be cisgender, dancing in their underwear with objects suggesting a bulge, while their profiles displayed trans flags and links to OnlyFans.
My initial reaction was confusion, as I know firsthand the abuse trans women face online. While I’m aware of transgender adult content creators, they too encounter significant hate. It seemed unimaginable that a video of them dancing with a visible bulge would receive positive comments.
The reality of ‘transfishing’ is that cisgender individuals are capitalizing on the controversy generated by these posts. This practice is deeply infuriating for transgender people because it allows individuals to profit from our identities without ever experiencing the challenges we face. It’s disrespectful and frustrating to see them exploit our bodies and lives without advocating for our rights or showing genuine support.
Unfortunately, the trend of transfishing isn’t surprising. Trans women have long been fetishized by cisgender men for their bodies, as evidenced by experiences on dating apps. Many men fantasize about having sex with a woman who has both breasts and a penis, viewing us as sex objects. These men might avoid being seen with us publicly and even express transphobic views elsewhere.
The demand for transgender pornography is higher than some might realize. A 2022 report from PornHub revealed a 75% increase in searches for trans porn. This further highlights the disrespectful exploitation of transgender bodies for personal gain.
The messages I receive on social media further confirm the fetishization of transgender women. Countless men proposition me or ask for connections to other trans women. Their attempts to reduce us to sexual objects are deeply offensive. This objectification is another layer on top of the daily transphobia, sexism, and misogyny we experience.
It’s crucial to understand that our bodies and experiences are not objects for others to exploit. We deserve respect and recognition of our identities, not to be used for financial gain. While transgender people are facing increasing attacks from politicians and anti-trans movements, we are also being exploited in ways that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
One transgender OnlyFans model shared her perspective: ‘I want men to know that it’s OK to be curious. I want them to be able to free themselves of the guilt and shame that they have hanging over them for even considering whether they might be questioning their sexuality or wanting to explore something different from the “norm”.’
This perspective highlights the need to break down shame and prejudice surrounding transgender identities. Our bodies are not a source of shame or something to be exploited. We deserve to be celebrated and respected, just like any other individual. Transgender people are going to exist in society, and we are going to exist in our bodies, and be proud of them. We engage in intimate relationships and are desired and enjoyed like other people. This needs to be done on our own terms – not by people taking advantage of us and our bodies.
The issue of transfishing is just one example of the complex challenges faced by the transgender community. We must continue to raise awareness about these issues and advocate for respect, understanding, and equality for all transgender people.
