TERFs are trying to boycott Etsy for banning transphobic products  

Apr 28, 2024

The hashtag #BoycottEtsy trended on Twitter once again last week thanks to Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists (TERFs) who are mad that the e-commerce site won’t allow them to sell anti-trans merchandise.

As The Mary Sue pointed out, this isn’t the first attempt to boycott the platform. Last year, thousands of sellers deactivated their stores and asked users to boycott Etsy to protest a hike in transaction fees and other ways in which the platform cuts into seller profits. The site has also been accused of withholding payments from sellers.

Anti-LGBTQ+ trolls Matt Walsh and Michael Knowles finally said the quiet part loud.

This new campaign to boycott Etsy, however, has nothing to do with any of that. A quick perusal of the hashtag on Twitter shows TERFs — known for cloaking their transphobia in the guise of pseudo-feminism — whining about Etsy banning blatantly transphobic products while continuing to allow anti-TERF merch to be sold on the site.

#BoycottEtsy is trending STILL.I don't see how violence against women is allowed, yet detransition and lines like "100% female" is seen as hateful?I know the pendulum swings, but us backtracking on women's safety is not something I thought I'd have to tweet about. pic.twitter.com/0k663UsmEU

#WarOnWomen feminist & detransitioning items removed. Tra weapons allowed #BoycottEtsy@PankhurstEM @womenmatteruk @Serena_Partrick @ilovepreserves pic.twitter.com/TVOFpc7ie4

I can't buy jewellery supplies from Etsy today because apparently #BoycottEtsy . A seller had all her listings like the one on the LEFT removed, but sellers are pushing the ones on the right which, in Etsy world, are OK? Advocating violence towards women. #GoWoke pic.twitter.com/HXj25DWOyy

The push to boycott the site seems to have originated with Laura Becker, a Wisconsin-based de-transition advocate who tweets as @FunkGodArtist. On July 26, Becker posted screenshots of a message she allegedly received from Etsy informing her that two products featuring anti-trans messaging had been removed from her shop.

“As a reminder, Etsy prohibits any content that promotes, supports, or glorifies hatred of violence towards protected groups. This includes items or listings that are demeaning or disparaging,” the message reads.

“Etsy has f**ked with me for the last time. After banning my ‘Funky Human Female’ shirts last month, I’ve now received notice that my ‘De-Trans Awareness’ and ‘Believe De-Transitioners—First Do No Harm’ shirts are removed,” Becker tweeted. “This is my Final Warning before my store will be permanently banned. It is time to boycott Etsy. They do not support free speech, women, or medical trauma survivors.”

Boost 🚨Etsy has f-cked with me for the last time. After banning my ‘Funky Human Female’ shirts last month, I’ve now received notice that my ‘De-Trans Awareness’ and ‘Believe De-Transitioners—First Do No Harm’ shirts are removed. This is my Final Warning before my store will… pic.twitter.com/wu8Z8rIm9r

Many of the Twitter users who reposted or responded to Becker’s call to boycott Etsy included screenshots of items for sale on the site which they characterized as advocating violence against TERFs.

@Etsy I'm going to need someone to explain how a "Believe Detransitioners" shirt was removed for hate/violence but these are fine. The knife dripping with "terf" blood. The gun poised to fire on anyone who doesn't "respect pronouns." #BoycottEtsy pic.twitter.com/9DF1P5etDJ

I see #BoycottEtsy is trending.Just a reminder that they sell all of these products advocating violence against feminist women, but ban anything that says "adult human female" as "hate speech".Etsy hates women. pic.twitter.com/A5OraWA0jM

So etsy is OK with calls for violence against "terfs"? This is what tyranny looks like. Stay frosty my sane friends…this is getting dangerous. #BoycottEtsy #TheSaltMustFlow https://t.co/GwRfyPbPfX

More screenshots from Etsy to show why #BoycottEtsy has a little traction.I don't care that these are on the shop, what I care about is them allowed on while others aren't.Violence against women is not trendy and fun, not is invading their private spaces.They're entitled. https://t.co/Ht1wq3UAcY pic.twitter.com/clrf13iVXF

At the same time, however, trans artists and creators have been using the hashtag to draw attention to their own Etsy stores and products.

Hey, the #BoycottEtsy hashtag was started by TERF bigots, crying that Etsy won't host their terrible hate speech t-shirts.Anyway- perfect time to remind everyone about our Collab with @cybertronicband and our Trans-Rights pin!https://t.co/mLpGWkQErT pic.twitter.com/sqCBvRIzGq

For once it's not etsys fault but one of my fun sticker designs on my shop ❤️‍🔥🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #BoycottEtsy pic.twitter.com/vGJ8loWXXt

Hey just saw why #BoycottEtsy is trending and fyi we have these stickers for sale there. A portion of the sales go to the @TrevorProject , I have set up a monthly donation. #TransRightsAreHumanRights pic.twitter.com/Ati8cSUIhW

So I saw that #BoycottEtsy is trending wondering what they did to screw over sellers… but it's actually because they're banning TERF shit. LMFAO.If you wana support a small trans-owned Etsy business you can buy one of my Napoleon plushies here:https://t.co/QAjSdvb7ou

Hey, don't support gross Terfs by supporting #BoycottEtsy, instead show some love to a trans illustrator and get a "Skeleton In The Dashcon Ball Pit" poster! 🏳️‍⚧️https://t.co/9M2iAkKizB pic.twitter.com/9EIzOZuvRV

{{ ETSY SHOP SHARE }}Since a TERF decided to start the #BoycottEtsy tag, let's love on some trans creators!Trans shop owners, please drop your links!Everyone else: Support the shop owners! 💜

Etsy, of course, is just the latest corporation to become the focus of the anti-LGBTQ+ right’s hot boycott summer. Since this past spring, conservatives have called for boycotts of Bud Light, Target, Lego, North Face, and other brands over Pride products and LGBTQ+-inclusive marketing campaigns.