Q&A Forum - March 2013 (Best of Elise)

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Q. Dear Ms Sutton: I attended a northeastern university for my undergraduate and graduate studies. Unfortunately, I did not think to take advantage of the various pansexual groups that were on campus, and thus probably missed out on an opportunity to better understand and explore my submissive顺从 — willing to obey side.

But I was intrigued by an ultra-feminist/lesbian group on campus that curiously used the spelling “womyn” to refer to the female gender. I am a lover of words and the English language, and was most intrigued by this. I do strongly believe that language is a tool that forms opinions; for instance, I well recall when the New York Times finally consented, under pressure, to use the term “Ms” in lieu of “Mrs” or “Miss”.

I wonder what your feelings are on the use of this spelling of “womyn” which, ostensibly, is intended to separate women from definition through the male gender.