Can the government control what we wear? How transgender bans affect all women
+ Midst-scopes: Astrology exclusively for women 35+
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Combatting transphobia, gender policing, and patriarchal notions of femininity
Among the many outrages we can expect during a second Trump administration is heightened transphobia and general sexism. One harbinger of things to come: Republican representative Nancy Mace is (so far successfully) leading bullying efforts against the first transgender individual to be elected to a position to prevent her and other transgender individuals from using the women’s bathroom at the Capitol. Mace has also floated a bill preventing transgender women from using the women’s facilities on any federal facility — which could include national parks, museums, and office buildings.
You may be wondering what this has to do with style. Quite a lot, actually: Fashion is often conflated with femininity, especially in more conservative spaces, so the way that women (transgender or otherwise) choose to present themselves aesthetically can become more than just a personal choice — it can become a political issue and even one of safety.
The idea behind anti-transgender bans is to “keep women and girls safe,” even though it’s clear that girls (and boys) are more likely to be sexually abused or assaulted by a family member or someone the family trusts (such as a church pastor or leader) than they are from a random person in a bathroom.
Simply as an example of blatant bigotry, these bans are detestable. Beyond that, transphobia translated into policy is probably just the first step in a crackdown on anyone who dares to be “other.” It sends a strong message that anyone who doesn’t conform to binary perceptions of gender will be subject to harassment.
Banning transgender women from using women’s bathrooms involves the general public feeling entitled to judge whether someone looks “feminine” enough to be a woman. That means using criteria like what women wear and how they present themselves — which is problematic for a host of reasons.
What does it mean to look like a woman, anyway?
“Traditional” notions of how women should dress still linger. Did you know that women were not allowed to wear pants on the U.S. Senate floor until 1993? Even now, the massive cardboard packaging company Uline, owned by a family of conservative mega-donors, reportedly has a dress policy that requires women to wear skirts or dresses except in limited circumstances.
Popular ideas of “acceptable” femininity, perhaps not surprisingly, align with styles that men think are attractive. Typical features of this look include long hair, form-fitting dresses in bright colors, and heels — which also happen to align with what the female reporters and anchors at FOX News tend to wear. Such styles tend to require more labor in the form of upkeep (hair must be colored and styled) and less freedom (heels and tight skirts can be uncomfortable and inhibit movement).
Midst-scopes: Horoscopes written specifically for women 35+
BY MANDY WILDE, professional astrologer and medium
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Sagittarius, it’s all about relationships for you this month, which means you could find yourself asking if the people you deal with on the regular are lifting you up or dragging you down. If something feels off, address it. Maybe it’s just a little miscommunication (which is an easy fix), or maybe it’s a deeper issue that’s been simmering for too long. Either way, talking it out will lift a weight off your shoulders. And hey, if a relationship is draining you dry? It’s okay to let it go. Not everything or everyone is meant to stick around forever.
But don’t just focus on the tough stuff. Double down on the people who truly get you — the ones who make you laugh, who show up, and add something good to your life. Pour your energy into those connections, and you’ll see them flourish. Invest in the ones who invest in you. It’s worth it.
Finally, when was the last time you checked in with yourself? If you’ve been running on fumes, take a breather. Do something that feels good for your soul. Self-care isn’t optional; it’s survival.
By the end of the month, you’ll know exactly who’s riding with you for the long haul. And spoiler alert: you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more aligned because of it.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Capricorn, let’s start with a round of applause because you’ve been through it over the past 16 years. Pluto in your sign brought constant challenges, forcing you to transform and grow in ways you didn’t expect. But guess what? That heavy, relentless energy has finally lifted. You’re stepping into a new chapter, and it’s time to focus on what feels lighter, brighter, and more aligned with who you are now.
This month is perfect for refreshing your routines. Are your daily habits working for you, or are they just holding you together? It’s easy to get stuck on autopilot, but now’s the moment to shift gears.
Try carving out a few minutes each day just for yourself. Indulge in quiet, uninterrupted time to center your mind. Maybe clear up your workspace to feel less overwhelmed. And since structure is your strong suit, refine your systems. Streamline where you can, delegate what feels heavy, and make your schedule work for you, not the other way around.
Remember, routines aren’t just about getting things done, they’re also about making space for joy. By the end of the month
This astrological guide was originally published today on the-midst.com here.
Thanks for reading this week’s BeWell newsletter!
X, Lauria, Head of Editorial Content at The Midst
The Midst is a woman-owned business on a mission to empower women 35+.
The blatant bigotry being directed toward Sarah McBride and the greater trans community is beyond repugnant. That "you're only a 'woman'" if the government deems you're performing the role correctly and in accordance with its requirements is a fundamental infringement on multiple constitutional rights. It feels like the ACLU and other groups will need to bring all the cases now (and often) to stop bullies like Mace from gaining even more ground. So much work ahead!
This is so important, and it should be part of how we push back on anti-trans rhetoric. Thanks for sharing!