5 Things You Should Know About the History of “Gender”

For many of us, the word gender feels like it has always existed in the way we use it today. But the truth is, the meaning of gender has changed over

For many of us, the word gender feels like it has always existed in the way we use it today. But the truth is, the meaning of gender has changed over time—and not always for the right reasons. Here are five key things you should know about how this shift happened and why it matters, especially for women, Black feminists, and Survivors of abuse.

1. “Gender” Originally Had Nothing to Do With People

The word gender comes from Latin and originally referred to language—like how some words in French or Spanish are labeled masculine or feminine. It wasn’t used to describe human identity or roles until the mid-20th century. Before that, people talked about sex—male and female—when discussing human biology.

2. A Psychologist Named John Money Redefined “Gender”

In the 1950s and 1960s, a psychologist named John Money started using the term gender to describe the social roles and behaviors expected of men and women. He believed gender was something that could be taught, not something a person was born with. His ideas became very influential in medicine and psychology.

3. John Money’s Experiment Ended in Tragedy

Money’s most famous experiment involved a boy named David Reimer, who lost his male genitalia in a medical accident as a baby. Money convinced David’s parents to raise him as a girl, claiming he would never know the difference. But David struggled deeply with his identity and, as an adult, chose to live as a man. Sadly, both he and his twin brother later died by suicide.

4. Money’s Methods Were Deeply Unethical

Money’s research didn’t just involve theory—it involved real children. Reports suggest that he forced David and his brother to act out disturbing behaviors, including sexualized role-play, under the guise of “gender identity” research. These unethical practices have been widely condemned, but his work still influenced modern discussions about gender.

5. Black Feminists Have Challenged—and Continue to Challenge—These Ideas

Feminists in the 1970s took the word gender and used it to analyze oppression, pointing out that women were often treated unfairly because of social expectations. Black feminists, such as bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Barbara Smith, have long emphasized how gender oppression cannot be separated from race and class. Many radical Black feminists today argue that John Money’s ideas have contributed to confusion about biological sex and have been used in ways that harm women, especially Black women and children, who are already vulnerable to exploitation.

Why This Matters

The words we use shape the way we see the world. When people change definitions without accountability, there are real consequences. Survivors, especially women and children from marginalized communities, deserve to have these discussions rooted in truth, ethics, and care for those most vulnerable.

Remember: If you or someone you love has been affected by coercion or abuse, know that you are not alone. Your voice matters, and there are people who will believe and support you.