What is Trantifa? Far-Left Trans Movement Spreading Across U.S.
United Nations investigator is among several voices raising the alarm about a rise in far-left transgender activists, amid reports of some intimidating and physically assaulting those who disagree with them.In an interview with the British Daily Mail newspaper on Sunday, Reem Alsalem, the international body's special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, said it was an "increasing trend" that she had been observing, calling on officials to protect freedom of speech regarding conversations around gender.Many politicians and commentators in the U.S.
have railed against what they see as transgender ideology, which they argue indoctrinates younger people into thinking they are in the wrong body and should seek life-altering treatments.At the same time, trans-rights advocates argue that wider acceptance is needed, as trans individuals face threats to their safety and an increasing number of proposed laws limit transgender rights and access to healthcare.The debate around transgender inclusion has often become heated, with both sides facing incendiary remarks and threats of violence.
Some transgender activists have distanced themselves from "extreme" rhetoric.Trantifa is a portmanteau of "transgender" and "Antifa," the latter being itself a truncation of "anti-fascist" and a left-wing movement that rose to prominence in 2017.
The antifa movement has faced criticism from right-wing figures, including Donald Trump, who have accused them of acts of violence."Antifa's professed purpose is to vigorously oppose fascism," the Anti-Defamation League states.
