Periodsthey

Periodsthey is a neologism that has appeared in online discussions about inclusive language and gender. The term blends “period,” referring to the biological experience of menstruation, with “they,” a widely used gender-neutral pronoun. In some feminist, LGBTQ+ and nonbinary discourse, periodsthey is used to describe or refer to individuals who experience menstruation and who prefer or routinely use they/them pronouns. It is typically encountered in informal writing and is not yet part of formal linguistic usage or standard dictionaries.

Usage and scope: The term aims to highlight that menstruation does not determine a person’s gender identity and that pronoun choice should be respected. Periodsthey is often used as a descriptor in discussions about the intersection of menstruation, gender identity, and inclusive language. It may appear in plural form or as a shorthand for “people who menstruate who use they/them pronouns.”

Reception and criticism: As a neologism with limited adoption, periodsthey has drawn both support for inclusive language and criticism for potential ambiguity or unnecessary complexity. Critics argue that it conflates biological characteristics with pronoun use or that it risks producing awkward phrasing in formal writing. Proponents see it as one of several strategies to reduce gender-based assumptions and to acknowledge diverse identities.

Relation to broader concepts: Periodsthey relates to movements that promote nonbinary pronouns, inclusive language around menstruation, and the broader shift away from gendered stereotypes about biology.

See also: Non-binary, Gender-neutral pronouns, People who menstruate, Menstruation.