This is the second part of Dr Em's two-part feature on the experiences of the ever-growing cohort of ‘trans widows’ – women whose husbands have decided to ‘live as a woman’ – and the patterns of abuse enacted on them. Read part one here.  PART II: GASLIGHTING & PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR

In this important article, Dr Em recounts the experiences of the ever-growing cohort of ‘trans widows’ – women whose husbands have decided to ‘live as a woman’ – and identifies patterns of abuse enacted on them. The tragedy that the perpetrators of this abuse are hailed as ‘stunning and brave’ adds to the pain experienced by these...

Our bodies have been used against us since Eve plucked the apple from the tree. Our lives are constrained by our biological functions from periods to pregnancy to menopause. These are things that only happen to females.

You may recall the controversy earlier this year relating to the HSE using the meaningless term ‘anyone with a cervix’ instead of ‘woman’ in its cervical screening literature. The National Screen Service Communications Working Group is now reviewing the language used – if you think the word ‘woman’ should be reinstated, please email info@cervicalcheck.ie before Monday.

This is a slightly updated version of an article by Gráinne Mhaol that appeared originally on the Socialist Democracy (Ireland) website.