Ana Kasparian is the talk of Twitter after she posted a controversial message claiming trans-inclusive language was degrading to women.
Ana Kasparian is an American political commentator, generally considered to be progressive and on the far left. She co-hosts the online news show The Young Turks with journalist Cenk Uygur, having joined as a producer in 2007.
We take a look at her recent post on Twitter, which has made headlines and sparked a major debate about transgender terminology online. We take a look at what happened on social media.
Ana Kasparian sparks transgender debate on Twitter
On Wednesday, March 22, Kasparian posted a tweet that appeared to reignite a culture war. “I’m a woman. Please don’t ever refer to me as a person with a uterus, birthing person, or person who menstruates,” she wrote.
“How do people not realize how degrading this is?” the commentator posited. “You can support the transgender community without doing this s***.”
At the time of writing, the tweet has 16.8 million views and 92,000 likes. The tweet, which expresses conservative values, has shocked many as Kasparian is considered to be progressive in her views.
Liberal Twitter users criticize Kasparian
Twitter has had a huge reaction to the tweet, with many criticizing The Young Turks host for labeling gender-inclusive language “degrading.”
“Didn’t realize TYT [The Young Turks] was right-wing now,” one Twitter user commented. Journalist Katelyn Burns said: “Those words are meant for AFAB people as a category, not individual people. Get a grip.”
Mike Figueredo, host of a leftist talk show tweeted: “I respect you a lot, but this notion that the mere existence of trans-inclusive terms (rarely used in casual convos) somehow degrades women comes right out of the right’s anti-trans ‘war on women’ playbook.”
“Those terms are used to refer to groups of people who either have uteruses, give birth or menstruate regardless of them being a woman or not. Absolutely no one would refer to you individually as a birthing person,” another user said.
Conservatives back the message
On the other hand, those who hold more conservative views, like those that Kasparian typically disagrees with, showed support for her message.
Libertarian journalist Brad Polumbo responded: “A sensible, mainstream take… that is going to absolutely trigger the s*** out of Very Online progressives.”
British rapper Zuby, who has appeared as a guest on the podcasts of Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and Candace Owens, replied: “Your side is going to roast you now. I hope you’re ready for the tolerance.”
If you have been affected by this story, you can contact Trans Lifeline on (877) 565-8860, a trans-led organization connecting trans people to the community. They also offer details of support and local resources.