AOC removes pronouns from X’s biography

(MENAFN) Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked heated debate after removing her pronouns from her X (formerly Twitter) bio, which some critics see as a departure from her previous advocacy of gender inclusivity. The 35-year-old progressive icon, known for championing left-wing ideas and diversity issues, has long been an outspoken advocate of using pronouns as part of efforts to recognize and support gender non-conforming individuals. In fact, two years ago, Ocasio-Cortez even apologized to her followers after her pronouns were accidentally “dropped” from her profile.

However, after Donald Trump’s re-election, many observers noticed that X’s bio no longer included the “she/her” pronouns she had previously used. Additionally, some noted that Ocasio-Cortez updated her title, changing the gender-neutral “representative” to “congresswoman.” According to journalist Benjamin Ryan, the changes in her biography on social networks probably took place between August 3, 2023 and the end of May this year.

The move drew considerable criticism, particularly from conservative commentators who accused Ocasio-Cortez of hypocrisy. These critics argue that she is only pretending to embrace progressive gender politics and “wake up” trends to get her base to pay attention, but is now backing away from that as public opinion shifts. Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, an outspoken critic of Ocasio-Cortez, demanded the New York lawmaker explain why she removed the pronouns after years of championing gender identity politics. Green accused Ocasio-Cortez of “pushing people with gender lies and crazy ideology” and suggested her latest decision was a sign of hypocrisy.

Riley Gaines, a former varsity swimmer who has been an outspoken critic of trans athletes competing in women’s sports, also spoke out. Gaines criticized Ocasio-Cortez for allegedly abandoning the “craziness” of progressive gender politics after previously celebrating it. “Politicians like AOC will pretend they never embraced (or even celebrated) the madness,” Gaines wrote on social media, implying that Ocasio-Cortez is backing down in light of growing conservative momentum.