In memory of our sister, Magdalen Berns.
This page is ReSisters United’s online memorial to Magdalen Berns, 1983-2019, who sadly died from brain cancer on 13 September 2019.
Magdalen was a forerunner of the current wave of British pro lesbian, pro woman campaigning. She had a profound impact not only in raising awareness on lesbian erasure and the attack on lesbian rights and self definition, but on helping to catalyse the wider gender critical movement in the UK and beyond. Her Youtube channel ‘peak trans-ed’ thousands and Magdalen touched and influenced many ReSister member’s lives.
Magdalen’s work caused an awakening to consciousness of lesbian feminist resistance on many women’s personal journeys. In the past week, we have received several messages asking to join our group, from women moved by Magdalen’s passing and her parting messages to ‘be brave, be true, speak out and stand up for yourselves.’
We are grateful and honoured that we were able to make contact with Magdalen in her final months to let her know how she had touched our lives and inspired us to become involved in anti woman and lesbian erasure activism ourselves. We are deeply sad and sorry for the loss of Magdalen’s presence in the UK feminist community and mourn the loss of potential opportunities to spend time and collaborate with this fiercely intelligent, courageous and compassionate shero.
Magdalen was a co-founder of ‘For Women Scotland’ our ‘sister’ Scottish anti self ID campaign group and predecessor. We consider Magdalen an honorary ReSister, whose legacy we are determined to continue.
These following messages are dedicated to Magdalen, in love and sisterhood. Rest in power.
We remember you Magdalen, and always will. We never met but you changed my life, you helped me find my way in the world as a woman and as a lesbian feminist. You gave me all the information I needed to stand tall and strong in myself and for what I believe in. My life has blossomed because of what you gave to us. How can I ever thank you enough?
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