Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York used the phrase "menstruating person's body" in a reply to Texas Governor Greg Abott's assertion pregnant people have plenty of time to get an abortion before 6 weeks.
The Daily Mail tried to mock her for it. Her response was epic.
The Mail tweeted:
" AOC calls women 'menstruating people' while explaining the female body"
Ocasio-Cortez responded by screenshotting the tweet and saying:
"Not just women! Trans men and non-binary people can also menstruate."
She also pointed out there are plenty of women who don't menstruate, for a variety of reasons.
She went on to mock conservatives who are outraged at her use of inclusive language.
"GOP mad at this are protecting the patriarchal idea that women are most valuable as uterus holders."
"Trans, two-spirit, and non-binary people have always existed and will always exist."
"People can stay mad about that if they want, or they can grow up ✌🏽🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️"
Not just women! Trans men & non-binary people can also menstruate. \n\nSome women also *don\u2019t* menstruate for many reasons, including surviving cancer that required a hysterectomy.\n\nGOP mad at this are protecting the patriarchal idea that women are most valuable as uterus holders.pic.twitter.com/BJovcw1qPa— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) 1631126187
Lots of trans and nonbinary folks were appreciative of Ocasio-Cortez's inclusive language.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Thank you so much for making sure you use inclusive language when talking about this subject! I can tell you as a menstruating non-binary person that I greatly appreciate it. It's people like you who are helping to normalize that language. Thank you!— OneWorld22 \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f\ud83c\udf3a\ud83c\udf0d\u2764\ufe0f (@OneWorld22 \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\u26a7\ufe0f\ud83c\udf3a\ud83c\udf0d\u2764\ufe0f) 1631126668
As someone who is non-binary I really appreciate this. I\u2019m actually menstruating right now. Thank you.— JaidaAKASkittles (@JaidaAKASkittles) 1631127286
Thank you for recognizing trans individuals. I appreciate being seen. You rock. We need more politicians like you <3— Sam Beach (@Sam Beach) 1631126280
Republican Governor Abbott insisted Texas' new abortion law:
"provides at least six weeks for a person to be able to get an abortion."
Ocasio-Cortez countered many people don't even realize they are pregnant at 6 weeks, since that means their period is only two weeks late.
Two weeks late is not out of the ordinary for many people who menstruate.
"I don't know if he is familiar with a menstruating person's body. In fact, I do know that he's not familiar with a woman—with a female or menstruating person's body, because if he did, he would know that you don't have six weeks."
