Lucas: Women have nothing to lose but their gains
In the evolving landscape of women’s rights, the call for a new slogan has emerged, suggesting that the phrase “Women’s rights are human rights” may no longer adequately capture the complexities of today’s issues. Drawing inspiration from Karl Marx’s famous rallying cry, a proposed slogan—“Women of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your gains”—highlights the need for unity among women as they navigate the challenges posed by shifting societal norms and political landscapes. This reimagined slogan not only seeks to empower women but also emphasizes the need for vigilance in protecting hard-won rights against potential erosion.
The recent appointment of Giselle Byrd, a transgender woman, to Massachusetts’ Commission on the Status of Women has ignited a heated debate within the women’s rights community. Critics argue that Byrd’s appointment detracts from the representation of biological women, particularly in light of pending legislation aimed at establishing a separate commission for transgender individuals. Republican state Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida raised concerns over the decision, questioning why Governor Maura Healey could not find a qualified biological woman for the role when there are millions in the state. However, the governor’s office defended the appointment, noting that Byrd is not only the first African American transgender person on the commission but also a continuation of a trend established by previous administrations.
Massachusetts has been characterized as a matriarchal state, with women holding five of the six top statewide offices, including Governor Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. This dominance raises questions about the future of gender representation in politics, with some speculating about the necessity of a Commission on the Status of Men. As the conversation around gender identity and representation continues, the women’s movement finds itself at a crossroads, needing to redefine its messaging to reflect the diverse and sometimes contentious landscape of women’s rights today. The implications of these discussions are profound, as they not only affect policy but also shape the future of gender advocacy in a rapidly changing world.
The Women’s Movement needs a new slogan.
“Women’s rights are human rights” is all right as far as it goes. But in these changing times, does it go far enough?
With all deference to Karl Marx and his rabble-rousing buddy Friedrich Engels, a new slogan should go something like this: “Women of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your gains.”
The quote is a knock-off from their Communist Manifesto, which called for a worldwide communist revolution to free workers from the oppressive boot of capitalism.
The rallying cry came from a pair of guys who never had a real job between them. Marx was a sometime journalist, which, as everybody knows, is not a real job, and Engels was the son of a rich mill owner.
The actual quote, which in 1848 shook the capitalist world, was, “Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains.”
But why quibble?
The issue is the local reaction — or lack thereof — among women’s rights activists over Gov. Maura Healey’s appointment of Giselle Byrd, a former man, to the state’s Commission on the Status of Women. Byrd is the executive director of a regional theater company.
The 19-member commission, created in 1998, is, according to its website, “dedicated to the advancing of women’s rights and opportunities, promoting equality and providing a voice for women and girls across the state.”
It does not say anything about people born as men, as Byrd was, transitioning into a woman.
The flap over the appointment, which was made in August, came to the forefront in view of pending legislation, filed by Sen. Patricia Jehlen of Somerville, that would create a separate commission on transgender people.
Some believe that such a commission would weaken the authority and the gains made by the existing women’s commission.
Others like Republican state Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida of Plymouth told the Herald that Healey’s appointment of Byrd “makes no sense” in the first place.
She asked, “Out of nearly three and a half million biological girls and women in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Gov. Healey couldn’t identify a qualified biological woman to appoint to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women?”
Of course she could, but she appointed Byrd anyway, pointing out that former Gov. Charlie Baker appointed a transgender woman to the commission in 2016.
Byrd, the second appointee, is, however, the first African American transgender person to be named to the commission.
While popular in some quarters, the Byrd appointment has yet to be publicly endorsed by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, a bipartisan group made up of female members of the House and Senate.
All the talk of the appointment of Byrd to the women’s commission may be academic anyway.
Face it. We live in a one-party, matriarchal state to begin with — the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, now known as Massachusetts the Matriarchal State.
Women run the state.
Things are so one-sided that some solon will soon be filing legislation calling for the creation of a Commission on the Status of Men.
Consider that five of the six top statewide offices are held by women. They are Gov. Healey, the state’s first openly gay governor; Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, and state Auditor Diana DiZoglio.
There is also Senate President Karen Spilka and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
The only guy hanging around is Secretary of State Billy Galvin, 74, and it is only a matter of time before a woman, transgender or not, takes him out.
Not that there is anything wrong with it.
Yeah, right.
Veteran political reporter Peter Lucas can be reached at: peter.lucas@bostonherald.com
