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Aretha Franklin’s song ‘A Natural Woman’ labeled ‘offensive’, trans activists want song removed from apps

A group alleged that Aretha Franklin's song is offensive to transgender people and further said that 'there is no such thing as a natural woman'

OSLO, NORWAY: Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance (TCMA), a Norway-based LGBTQ group advocating the rights of trans people around the globe is now attacking Aretha Franklin’s song ‘Natural Woman.’ It accuses the song to be ‘offensive’ and perpetuating a harmful anti-trans stereotype. They have been appealing for the song to be taken down by popular music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. The song was released as a single by the late ‘Queen of Soul’ Franklin in 1967, who was known for spreading positivity through her messages on women's role in society and femininity.

The group TCMA tweeted on January 20, alleged that the song is offensive to transgender people, and added 'there is no such thing as a 'natural woman.' The tweet reads, “Aretha Franklin's 1968 song 'Natural Woman' perpetuates multiple harmful anti-trans stereotypes. There is no such thing as a 'natural' woman. This song has helped inspire acts of harm against transgender women. TCMA is requesting it is removed from Spotify & Apple Music.” Many netizens question its legitimacy and perceive it to be a fake account, however, the handle gave an update on its Monday morning, January 23, post. “For clarification, the TCMA is not a parody organization. We are based in Norway but are seeking to open a chapter in each European country and also North America," claimed the group.

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Twitter reacted quickly to their accusation and appeal to take down the classic song ‘Natural Woman,’ "This type of bullshit perpetuates the belief that trans women are women. There are natural men and there are natural women. They are the only two choices. Anything else is a state of mind," wrote one user. "These people are mentally ill. Now they are going after Aretha..... 🙄 Someone makes it stop," tweeted another user. Another chimed in, "#TRAs are so aggressively adamant in the bullsh*t they spew. The fact that it's hard to tell if this account is a parody or not should be alarming to them. It's not like that statement would be surprising from these lunatics. #NaturalWoman." One user defended the song and shared her personal bond with it, "This type of bullshit perpetuates the belief that trans women are women. There are natural men and there are natural women. They are the only two choices. Anything else is a state of mind." Another user argued over bizarre demand, and wrote, "it is misogynistic AF to say 'there is no such thing as a 'natural woman.'" if there was no such thing, then what's the point of being trans? what are you transitioning to if you identify as a trans woman? moreover, what would the definition of cisgender woman apply to? 🤔"

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