When Gender Activists Point Out the Fact That Trans Women Are Women and Trans Men Are Men, Are They Effectively Erasing the Meaning of These Words?

No, they are still using the terms “woman” and “man” in exactly the same way that it has always been used. This article explores this common misconception and provides a clear perspective on the importance of terminology in the gender equality movement.

Thought Exercise: Gender Roles and Terminology

Let's try a thought exercise. Imagine a scenario where when you're born, you're called a 'girl' no matter what sex you are assigned at birth; even if you're male, you’re still called a girl. Now suppose the term "boy" is reserved for servants and employees, regardless of their sex assigned at birth. You will call your servants by saying "boy," referring to them as a 'boy' irrespective of their assigned sex.

In this scenario, we’re now confronted with terms that are totally disconnected from gender. In other words, gender doesn’t really exist until the 'girl' reaches adulthood. At that point, she can actually choose whether to be a man or a woman. If she chooses to be a man, she will have to assume responsibilities traditionally associated with masculinity, such as working, providing for the family, and managing house repairs. If she chooses to be a woman, she will have to take on the gender roles we currently assign, like taking care of the home, doing housework, preparing meals, and taking care of her husband.

No Gender, Just Gender Roles

But in this scenario, we still don’t have gender as we know it. Instead, we have a demarcation of responsibilities defined by the chosen gender. This exercise highlights a critical point: how terminology and societal expectations are intertwined. The terms 'woman' and 'man' remain in use, but the concept of gender is reduced to a set of roles rather than an inherent trait.

Sexuality and Gender Neutrality

Consider the aspect of sexuality. In this hypothetical scenario, we could have two females or two males living together as a couple. The partners could switch roles, or they could embody what we might traditionally call a 'straight' or 'gay' couple. If gender were irrelevant to sexuality, would it truly matter if one partner was defined as trans or cis, or if they were of a different gender than they were assigned at birth?

The crux of this thought experiment is that without the concept of gender, the categories 'straight' or 'gay' become meaningless. You would have people loving people, but societal expectations in terms of family structure could lead to unique dynamics. For example, if a couple decides to have two wives or two husbands sharing a home, one may need to adapt their role to preserve the family unit. In this context, the terms 'woman' and 'man' remain, but they no longer carry the weight of an assigned sex at birth.

Terminology in the Gender Equality Movement

The gender equality movement uses terms such as 'trans' and 'cis' to clarify and affirm the gender identity of individuals. Using these terms does not erase the meaning of 'woman' or 'man'; instead, it clarifies the distinction between gender identity (the internal sense of oneself as female, male, or neither) and sex assigned at birth (the physical characteristics used to assign sex). This distinction is crucial for ensuring that the rights and identities of all individuals are respected and affirmed.

Conclusion

gender activists are not erasing the meaning of 'woman' and 'man' when they clarify gender identity. By using terms like 'trans' and 'cis,' they are simply emphasizing that gender is a complex and multifaceted identity, separate from physical sex characteristics. This understanding is essential for creating inclusive and equitable societies that recognize and respect the diversity of human identities.