SNP MP criticised for calling trans campaigners at Edinburgh Pride 'misogynistic'

SNP MP Joanna Cherry drew criticism after she tweeted a photograph of transgender rights activists and called them misogynistic.

Taking to Twitter, the controversial MP wrote: “Several women have drawn my attention to this photo taken at #PrideEdinburgh today.”

It makes me very sad. #Pride was never about #Hate. I marched on my first #Pride in London 30 years ago. It was diverse. Inclusive. This #misogyny is destroying our movement

The two people pictured in the photograph are holding signs protesting trans exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs), those who don’t believe trans women are women and therefore should not be allowed to enter women-only spaces.

“F*** TERFs,” one sign read. “No more TERFs,” read another.

Cherry’s comments have been taken as transphobic by people online.

One person called Isla, who knows the people in the photograph, condemned the politician.

They wrote: “I am ashamed to call you my MP, I am proud to call these two amazing people my friends, and to see them standing up for trans rights (which by the way, don’t affect women’s rights at all). Shame on you. #BwiththeT"

Another Twitter user added: “TERFS and SWERFS are poisoning the LGBTQ community with their vitriol and hate.”

Trans friends feel less safe even as society moves towards acceptance. I feel less safe as their tactics mirror misogyny and homophobia. Hate isn't good, neither is the damage these extremists cause

What is a TERF?

The word TERF is an internet buzzword that became used by newspapers, TV shows and mainstream discussion to describe trans-exclusionary radical feminists.

It is a word leaden with meaning, and is a synonym for transphobia. The acronym refers to people who preach hate and exclusion against transgender women in the name of feminism.

They often use disruptive, aggressive protest tactics, including storming a meeting and intimidating transgender activists, and even deliberately misgendering them.

Feminism is about inclusivity and empowering women – all women – which is why TERF ideology is so at odds with most forms of feminism.

indy100 has contacted Joanna Cherry for comment.

More: Lib Dem councillor racially abused on tube gets help of Twitter to track men down

More: Mike Pence defends immigration detention conditions in toe-curlingly awkward interview