Fake Penis Panties Created to “Prevent Rape,” Promote Transmisogyny

By L’lerrét Jazelle Ailith

We recently stumbled across some technology allegedly produced in Thailand that would protect women from rape. Quite progressive, right? Not so fast. We thought that we’d read about some device that would impale the aggressor or something that sends electrical jolts when handled roughly. Instead, we read about the most idiotic, insensitive invention ever – a piece of underwear that contains a forever erect fake penis.

We went digging to confirm its legitimacy and found this commercial for the product that is said to have been banned in the country. Brace yourself for the absurdity.

Whether an actual product or a parody, we’re certainly not laughing. To recreate stereotypes of a group heavily marginalized and widely misunderstood as well as assume that this “simulation” would prevent rapists from pursuing victims with this overly exaggerated display only fuels stigma against the transgender community. In Thailand especially, the trans* community is vibrant and thriving. To have cisgender women pretending to be trans* and thinking this would deter pursuers is a huge slap in the face to our community. But the most problematic point is the fact that, once again, ciscentered society is using genitalia to define and subjugate our people.

Cis women parading through the streets pretending to be transgender with written signifying signs or lying about it is one level of disrespect but to use a large erected penis as some sort of indication of trans* identity and assuming that this image will deflect attacks only sensationalizes and objectifies us. We’re seen less as people and more as “chicks with hard, untucked dicks.”

This only creates a society where the inspection of one’s genitalia becomes routine and permissible. The obsession with what’s down our pants contributes to the daily violence and adversity experienced by transgender persons and to highlight this point is to support transmisogyny at large.

Let’s hope this technology isn’t real. What we do know is that the video is. And whoever came up with it is real stupid.

L’lerrét Jazelle Ailith is a 20-year-old queer woman of trans* experience. She attends Xavier University of Louisiana and is majoring in Biology with a minor in Women’s Studies. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, L’lerrét has grown to appreciate the importance of fostering community and now dedicates herself to movements that eliminate barriers for marginalized people.