You Can’t Say “Woman” Anymore — Here Are 8 Alternatives

Has gender-inclusive language gone too far?

Photo by Moose Photos

I am a woman.

I was born female and I have identified as a woman my whole life. I have female anatomy. As far as I can tell, I am capable of pregnancy and childbirth. I was born with two X chromosomes and my lived experience is that of a woman.

None of those things, however, define my personhood.

I am not who I am because I have biologically female parts.

I am not who I am because I am capable of giving birth or because of my chromosomal makeup.

These are elements of who I am and the reality of my existence — but they alone do not define me.

Society has insisted that there is more than one way to “be a woman.”

The simplification of womanhood to female anatomy, reproductive organs, or genetic makeup has become “outdated” to some.

Perhaps this is why we are afraid or reluctant to define what a woman is.

We don’t want to reduce “womanhood” to the bleeding between our legs or the experience of pushing a 9-pound bowling ball out of our bodies.