Five Reasons The Dolls Need HASSL (or something like it)

Five Reasons The Dolls Need HASSL (or something like it)

Content Warning: This article mentions themes of suicide and harassment. Please take care whilst reading and look after yourself. Support resources are available at the end of this article.


It’s something that should go without saying: that a social enterprise aiming to tackle the harassment of all women would benefit transwomen. After all, transgender women are four times more likely than cisgender women to be assaulted (Williams Inst.) in the US, and almost 3 in 4 transgender people in the UK have experienced harassment or assault specifically because they identified as transgender (CPS). The risks and harms transwomen face are unique. To prevent and mitigate them, we need a tailored approach – enter HASSL. 

HASSL isn’t another “safety tool” or “stay safe” tip — it’s here to tackle harassment at its core. So for the trans community, the enthusiastic allies, and those interested in learning about the experiences of transgender women, here are five reasons why the dolls need HASSL…

 

1. The Muscle Loss Is Real

No, we’re not going to talk about trans women in sports. I was bad at sports before I transitioned – I’m pretty sure I’m still bad at them. But I do want to talk about the effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Not every transwoman is able to, or will choose to, start HRT. But for those of us who do, we stand to lose around 40% of our muscle strength (J Endocr Soc. 2021). If you have the hand strength to open pickle jars, trust me, you take it for granted. 

I remember first noticing it specifically when I was walking up a couple of flights of subway stairs. I’m a larger person, and the only other time I felt just as fatigued was after I ran a 10k…now apply that to a dangerous situation.  

Even more worryingly, at least for me, it happened suddenly. One day, things just got harder. Of course, this power imbalance affects cisgender women too; but the point is that trans women suddenly find themselves needing to learn how to protect themselves in a whole new way. Which brings me to my next, more point…


2. Some of Us Are New to This

If you are a cisgender woman reading this, have you ever been told to hold your keys between your fingers when walking home in the dark? Who taught you that? Seriously, if you remember, let me know in the HASSL Discord, because I learned it two weeks ago. 

I’m lucky enough to have a supportive wife and caring community to help me learn faster than some, but even the best community might forget to tell you that you MUST have flats in your purse if you’re going to wear heels on a night out. 

The fact that young women even have to learn all sorts of safety techniques is, quite frankly, horrific. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn't need them at all? 


3. We Get Targeted 

I mentioned earlier that transgender women are four times more likely than cisgender women to be assaulted. No one’s trauma invalidates anyone else's so I don’t love that statistic, and I want to say this nice and loud for the people in the back: trans and cis women are on the same side.

But I also don’t want to ignore that number because the reason for it applies to a lot of women. For starters, trans women are often fetishized, objectified, and dehumanized. We become an idea instead of a person, and that’s always dangerous.

I know women from marginalized communities know exactly what I’m talking about. Whether it stems from racism, ableism, homophobia, queerphobia, or transphobia, the only way to stop this <<mindset – OR ATTITUDE?>>  is to address it at its root.

On the other side of the equation is the idea of gender roles, the patriarchy, and misogyny (including internalized). Challenging the status quo tends to draw some hate – just check the comment section on some of the early HASSL posts. As women demand equal treatment, more have become the targets of this hate. Most trans women didn’t set out to challenge the patriarchy, but our existence does.  


4. We Don’t Know Where to Turn Sometimes

In the UK, 88% of transgender people do not report hate crimes they experience (Stop Hate 2021). Ever-changing laws, discrimination within existing power structures, and a general distrust built over the years means the LGBTQIA+ community is often left with few places to turn when we need help and protection. We are left to fend for ourselves, and as I’ve already said, that’s not a great solution. We need structural improvements, we need accountability and support, and we need better ways to report hate crimes and harassment when they happen. Now, if you’re new to HASSL, have a look at the plan, specifically stage five. 


5. Allies Save Lives (TW: Suicide)

4 out of 5 transgender adults have thought about suicide (Williams Inst.) This number is roughly 1 in 5 in the general population (NHS). I’m not an expert, I’m not a doctor, I am a transgender woman…but I am one of the 4 in 5.

I believe all women know what I mean when I talk about the exhaustion from managing and mitigating threats all around us, while still trying to live our lives. And it’s increasingly difficult to find respite as transgender women face seemingly endless scrutiny in women’s spaces because of the actions and behavior of (some) cis men. It can feel like we’re drowning and we need a hand. Inclusive spaces and the people who support them are that lifeline, and subtle signs like a smile, a “hello” or even a HASSL shirt let us know you’re a safe person. And it helps.

All this comes from my experience as a trans woman – just one voice in a larger, diverse chorus. I don’t speak for everyone, and I don’t want to. What I do want is a world where women – all women – can live without fear, and where no one’s safety is debated because of who they are. 

The truth is, fighting harassment helps everyone. So if you’re a cis ally, keep listening – especially to trans voices different from mine. And if you’re trans and you disagree with anything I’ve said, come find me in the HASSL Discord. Let’s talk.


Support Resources:

If you’ve been affected by any of the experiences mentioned in this article, you are not alone. Support is available:

If you’re in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services or a crisis line in your area.



 

DISCLAIMER:

This article has been written by a HASSL Ambassador as part of our community content initiative. While all ambassador contributions are reviewed for clarity, tone, and alignment with our values before publication, the views expressed are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or official position of HASSL.

These articles are intended to amplify personal perspectives, lived experiences, and knowledge from our wider community. They are not authored by the HASSL team, and HASSL does not claim ownership over the content.

Please note that the information provided is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It should not be taken as professional, medical, or legal advice. If you require support or guidance in any of these areas, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified professional.



 

 

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