"the1bostongirl" has been my net "handle" for several years. When I began I was undeniably a "girl." (Anyone who calls themselves a "woman" at 17 is kidding themselves). I'm now 24, and I'm OK with still being called a "girl."
Some of you seem to have a problem with that...
...And I understand. "Girl" is a loaded word, just as sex and gender are loaded topics. Everyone is free to handle it in their own way. That includes me.
I've received emails and messages suggesting it is inappropriate, as part of a movement that works to empower women, to "lessen" onesself with the label of "girl.' I've had "woman" suggested as an alternate, "womyn," and "Lady." (One of those was from my mother. I'll let you guess which one).
But just as I am happy to allow people to make their choices, I will make mine. Do not assume I am uninformed, childish, or disrespectful. The word "girl" has no power to minimize me.
Perhaps for women of prior generations, I understand it did. I would suggest, however, as Kos becomes more and more popular, younger generations will continue to join. I would furthermore suggest that is a good thing.
(A sidenote: oldsters, dont be rude. You would not believe how condescending some older Progressives get when they realize you are more youthful than they. Mean, grumpy, or jealous? Again, you be the judge).
And in my upbringing, "girl" is associated with power, youth, and vitality. "Power Puff Girls" were my early feminist heroes. Riot grrrrrrrrls came later. And for anyone questioning the right of "girls" to kick butt, feminist-style, check out my friends:
http://www.guerillagirls.com/
We're here, we're girls, deal with it.