Male genitals can be so emblematic of male power and sexual dominance that their presence at a festival designed to provide safe women's space is inappropriate. While support among Festigoers for such a policy is overwhelming, it is not unanimous. This is simply the best and fairest policy possible, one that balances inclusion of transsexual women with legitimate concerns for the integrity of women's culture and safe women's space. It is important to affirm that womanhood is a matter of more than anatomy alone. The Festival has proven this over the years, and so have the lives of transsexual women committed to women's culture and community.
Confrontational tactics dishonor our sisterhood and have no place here.
We agree with Ms. Wilchins that freedom of gender expression for all people is important. But, as feminists, we also believe it is important to acknowledge the reality of sex differences and of how they structure human society in critical ways. The Festival is a feminist event that celebrates femaleness, and the love and creativity of the sisterhood of women. We resent anyone attempting to co-opt it for a competing purpose. We resent anyone confronting our sisters in a disrespectful way, or suggesting we share Ms. Wilchins' adversarial relationship to the women's community.