The virtual world exploded in a cacophony of opinions as comedian Jess Hilarious and TV personality Ts Madison engaged in a fierce debate about transgender women and their relationship with cisgender women. The video exchange has ignited a firestorm of discussion over who truly owns womanhood.
It all began when trans-TikToker Blessing Rose delivered a monologue condemning transphobia and gatekeeping of womanhood by cis women.
“When the transphobia just comes out, the audacity, and just the arrogance for cis women to believe that they own periods. That they own womanhood. You don’t. You don’t own periods. You don’t own womanhood. You experience both, and both are different for every person. But, as a cis woman, it doesn’t belong to you, so you can’ t gate-keep it,” Blessing Rose said, according to Hollywood Unlocked.
Jess, 31, with her 5.5 million Instagram followers watching, passionately reacted to the video. With unbridled intensity, she questioned who stands up for “real women,” referring to biological women with all the parts that some trans women may desire.
“Who the f— is gonna stand up for us? Who the f— stands up for us? And us, I mean women, real women, biological women, women who born with all the parts that you guys wish that you were. When does the delusion stop? What is the difference between you and someone who has been diagnosed to be mentally insane? The only difference is you don’t have a straitjacket on,” Hilarious said.
Jess Hilarious says who will stand up for women
she said this and some women who want to support her gonna leave her out there alone
— Black Outside ✭ (@All_Cake88) July 23, 2023
How are you projecting your anger on real women, because we are the gate-keepers. We are the gate-keepers for periods. We’re the only ones that f—— bleed, honey. We’re the only ones that can give birth. We make y’all people. We make y’all. Y’all come from US. You can’t be US, you will never. You’re chasing something you’ll never ever get You’ll never be that,” she continued.
As expected, Twitter turned into a battlefield, with strong opinions flying in every direction. Some rallied behind Jess, arguing that trans women don’t fully experience the struggles and joys of womanhood, while others condemned her remarks as transphobic and divisive.
TS Madison, 45, weighed in agreeing with Jess but criticizing her tone. She tweeted, “There are sooooo many “Real” women that get mistaken for being “transgender” Women and that’s where a lot of the anger comes from…. I do hope they take a Good look at how Transphobia affects ALL women……”
There are sooooo many “Real” women that get mistaken for being “transgender” Women and that’s where a lot of the anger comes from….
I do hope they take a Good look at how Transphobia affects ALL women……— Ts Madison (@TsMadisonatl1) July 22, 2023
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Social media erupted with both support and backlash for both women.
One user said, “Jess “Hilarious” is one miserable person.”
Jess “Hilarious” is one miserable person.
— Preston Mitchum (@PrestonMitchum) July 22, 2023
Another wrote, “I stand with Jess Hilarious. Transwomen (men in wigs) are LITERALLY the definition of misogyny and patriarchy. It’s a bunch of men dictating what a woman is while never having experienced anything associated to womanhood.”
I stand with Jess Hilarious. Transwomen (men in wigs) are LITERALLY the definition of misogyny and patriarchy. It’s a bunch of men dictating what a woman is while never having experienced anything associated to womanhood. https://t.co/fh6ZzLBDVq
— Sims (@lacalma3030) July 23, 2023
Another user weighed in saying, “People have to realize you don’t have to tear down others to build yourself up. No one should rename another. Natural born women are not looking for a new name for who we are. We want yawl to be free but don’t silence us and take from us or belittle us to get what you need.”
People have to realize you don’t have to tear down others to build yourself up. No one should rename another. Natural born women are not looking for a new name for who we are. We want yawl to be free but don’t silence us and take from us or belittle us to get what you need.
— Toya Crowder (@mickeystoya) July 22, 2023
Despite the intense confrontation, it seems that both Jess Hilarious and TS Madison share a desire for respect and representation for their respective identities. While their disagreement was loud and public, it’s worth noting that emotions can overshadow the nuance of discussions on complex topics like this one.
In an era where inclusivity and understanding are encouraged, debates like these bring necessary attention to the intersections of identity, gender, and societal expectations. However, they also highlight the importance of having these discussions with empathy and sensitivity, acknowledging the diverse experiences of all women.
While Jess Hilarious and TS Madison may not have found common ground in their online exchange, they both serve as influential voices within their communities. The ultimate goal should be unity among women, recognizing that each woman’s experience is unique and valid.
