Tag: terminology

  • When Language Becomes Power: From US Supreme Court Clarity to Tasmanian Confusion

    On 30 June 2026, the United States Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling affirming that states may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex. In West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, the Court held that laws reserving female sporting categories for biological females are consistent with Title IX and…

  • Tasmania’s Department of Health Puts Ideology Before Biology

    A recent article in The Australian highlighted growing debate over the language used in women’s healthcare and medical institutions across Australia. The article focused on a seminar hosted by UNSW Sydney senior research fellow Kerryn Drysdale — whose academic background includes a thesis on drag culture — titled “Reimagining Menopause for Trans and Gender Diverse…

  • Tasmanian Minister Urged to Follow Queensland’s Lead and Define What a Woman Is

    Women Speak Tasmania congratulates Queensland Minister for Women, Fiona Simpson, for providing long-overdue clarity on the definition of “woman.” By confirming that “a woman is an adult female human being,” the Queensland Government has restored essential precision to a term that underpins the protection of women’s sex-based rights. This simple but vital definition ensures that…

  • Analysis of the Inclusive Language Guidelines – Tasmania DECYP

    Tasmania Department for Education, Children and Young People 1. Purpose & Scope 2. What the Guidelines Require / Promote 2.1 Emphasis on Affirmation & Identity 2.2 Strong Norms About “Language to Avoid” 2.3 Use of Neutral Language / Avoiding Gendered Forms 3. Areas of Tension or Potential Overreach (“Compelled Speech” Concerns) While the document frames…

  • Is Terry White Pharmacy Excluding Mothers?

    In June 2023, a catalogue from Terry White Chemmart (covering items on sale from 1–20 June) included a page titled “A family affair” promoting vaccination. The text stated: “The birthing parent is the most important person in the family to be vaccinated.” This wording replaces the clear and widely understood term “mother” with a clinical…