Premium Content:

Bette Midler under fire for social media posts about "birthing people"

Bette Midler has copped a swift backlash on social media after she shared her thoughts about gender inclusive language saying it was leading to women being stripped of their rights.

- Advertisement -

WOMEN OF THE WORLD! We are being stripped of our rights over our bodies, our lives and even of our name! They don’t call us ‘women’ anymore; they call us ‘birthing people’ or ‘menstruators’, and even ‘people with vaginas’! Don’t let them erase you! Every human on earth owes you!” Midler posted to her Twitter account.

The post drew a wave of criticism with fans and fellow celebrities arguing the singer and actor who has enjoyed a loyal LGBTIQA+ following throughout her career was now taking aim at people who are transgender.

Feminist academic Roxane Gay suggested Midler should take more care with how she expressed her views.

“No one is trying to erase women with inclusive language about people who need abortion care. No one is calling you anything but what you prefer. You should extend that courtesy in return.” Gay posted in response.

Australian writer and ABC presenter Benjamin Law also had some words of advice for Midler.

“Oh Bette. Trans people and those who love and support them have no problem with the term or concept of “women”. We’re just after inclusive language when appropriate and needed, to ensure often-vulnerable people are included and protected. It ain’t hard.”

Drag star Panti Bliss suggested Midler needed some perspective on the use on trans inclusive language.

“No. Don’t fall for the anti-trans panic fake nonsense. No one is erasing women. In a few small healthcare cases where appropriate they are using trans inclusive language. That’s all.” Panti Bliss posted in response. 

Midler’s comment also got a lot of support from followers praising her for taking what many assumed to be an anti-transgender stand.

Tennis star Martina Navratilova also weighed in on the discussion saying “Careful Bette- you will be called transphobic too or worse…” posting three emojis of a face screaming in fear.

OIP Staff


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

News Corp columnist says Rankine suspension in an unfair punishment to his team mates

Columnist Peter Goers says people should embrace a "sticks and stones" motto. We disagree.,

Don’t miss Ruby Gill as she tours Western Australia

Catch her all through the south west this week before she heads to Perth.

The acclaimed play ‘Hansard’ is at the Garrick Theatre this September

The acclaimed play from author Simon Parks has been praised for tackling a dark time in British politics.

Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna

Following JJ;'s 2025 win, the competition is heading back to Vienna.

Newsletter

Don't miss

News Corp columnist says Rankine suspension in an unfair punishment to his team mates

Columnist Peter Goers says people should embrace a "sticks and stones" motto. We disagree.,

Don’t miss Ruby Gill as she tours Western Australia

Catch her all through the south west this week before she heads to Perth.

The acclaimed play ‘Hansard’ is at the Garrick Theatre this September

The acclaimed play from author Simon Parks has been praised for tackling a dark time in British politics.

Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna

Following JJ;'s 2025 win, the competition is heading back to Vienna.

On This Gay Day | Playwright and performer Charles Busch was born

Over the decades Busch has written plays, films, books and been a memorable performer.

News Corp columnist says Rankine suspension in an unfair punishment to his team mates

Columnist Peter Goers says people should embrace a "sticks and stones" motto. We disagree.,

Don’t miss Ruby Gill as she tours Western Australia

Catch her all through the south west this week before she heads to Perth.

The acclaimed play ‘Hansard’ is at the Garrick Theatre this September

The acclaimed play from author Simon Parks has been praised for tackling a dark time in British politics.