Sampaguita Girl ✿

Hi anon, thank you for asking this question! I’ve only recently begun to spell “hxstory” with an “x” and “womxn” with an “x.” I used to spell each word with a “y” which signifies, I’m sure you know, how hxstory is often thought and taught in such sexist, patriarchal terms. The “y” was meant to be an inclusive, progressive term that not only sheds light on the prejudice, discrimination, and institutional barriers womxn have faced, but to also show that womxn are not the extension of men (as hinted by the classic Bible story of Adam and Eve) but their own free and separate entities. The “y” was to promote female empowerment and liberation, but in reality, as I have learned recently, the terms “hystory” and “womyn” are not as inclusive or empowering as some feminists (mostly white liberals) make it out to be.

The usage of the “y” began at the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, a celebration of womyn-born-womyn and the contributions they have made to music and art. This is exactly the reason why I no longer wish to spell womxn with a “y.” This specific festival doesn’t allow men or even trans-womxn to be a part of the event. Although I am all for a movement and a space that empowers womxn through music, the fact that they do not let trans-womxn attend shows how a lot of feminist movements have chosen to ignore the many struggles, identities, and intersectionalities of what it means to not only be born as a womxn, but to identify as a womxn. The “y” does not account for marginalized womxn groups or the many other feminist movements that have occurred throughout hxstory, such as third world feminist movements. In short, the “y” is a very white liberal way to look at feminism. It excludes womxn of color, trans-womxn, and other folks who may identity as womxn from the conversation and the movement. 

I first saw the spelling of “hxstory” and “womxn” on a Tumblr post. Although I do not remember the post or the author (Sorry!), she wrote that she preferred to spell “hxstory” and “womxn” with an “x” because not only is it less transphobic and less racist, but because the “x” can represent anything really. Whether you identify as a womxn-born-womxn, trans-womxn, or a womxn of color, the ambiguity of the “x” stands for the many different identities, struggles, and movements womxn have been a part of and have overcome. All-in-all, it’s a more inclusive and more progressive term (at least to me anyway).

Also, I like the fact that the letter “x” is formed by creating two lines intersecting together. You know, like intersectionality.

Haha okay, I’ll stop making bad jokes.

Sorry this response was rather lengthy, but if anyone wants to add anything to this conversation or contribute more info about the spelling of “womyn” or “womxn,” feel free to submit to my ask box. :)