The Washington Post has decided to eliminate the position of its “gender columnist,” which was held by Monica Hesse. This change follows an incident where a column she wrote on gender issues was rejected by the paper’s editors. While the content of her column remains unclear, the decision not to publish it has sparked discussions among insiders.
Hesse, who has been with The Post since 2007, first as an intern and later as a columnist, gained recognition as the paper’s first-ever “gender columnist.” Now, she is expected to be reassigned to either the Opinions section or remain in the Style section reporting.
Some sources have expressed disappointment over this development, describing it as “sad and unnecessary.” So far, neither Hesse nor The Washington Post has commented on the situation.
Hesse’s commentary around gender has often drawn criticism from conservative circles. In 2022, she labeled Florida’s parental rights legislation as “homophobic and transphobic,” indicating that it aimed to remove progressive gender ideas from schools. Furthermore, she has previously defended controversial topics, such as drag queens reading to children and placing tampons in boys’ restrooms, which she argued would promote a caring attitude among young boys.
As The Washington Post navigates changes, including a shifting political climate with the possible return of former President Donald Trump, the move to dismantle the gender columnist role may signal a push toward a more centrist stance in its editorial direction. Jeff Bezos, the paper’s owner, has previously acknowledged the credibility issues facing media institutions and emphasized the need for reform and greater accountability.
In a landscape increasingly influenced by public sentiment, The Post’s decisions may reflect broader desires for a media presentation that bridges ideological divides.
