Johns Hopkins University recently ignited a firestorm of criticism by defining "lesbian" as "non-men attracted to other non-men" in its online LGBTQ glossary. This definition sparked widespread condemnation, with prominent figures like J.K. Rowling and many others accusing the institution of erasing women. The university has since removed the glossary from its website.

The glossary, found on the university's Gender and Sexuality Resources webpage, aimed to provide definitions for a range of LGBTQ+ terms. However, the entry for "lesbian" drew particular ire. The definition stated that while previous definitions focused on attraction between women, the updated version was intended to be more inclusive of non-binary individuals.

This explanation did little to quell the backlash. Many critics pointed out the seeming inconsistency between the definition of "lesbian" and that of "gay man," which referred explicitly to men. This discrepancy fueled accusations of misogyny and the erasure of women's identities.

Social media platforms became a battleground for this debate, with users expressing their outrage and concern. Some questioned the university's motivation behind the definition, while others lamented what they perceived as a broader societal trend of diminishing women's experiences. The controversy even drew attention from international figures, further amplifying the criticism.

Following the intense online criticism, Johns Hopkins removed the glossary from its website. In a statement, the university affirmed its commitment to inclusivity and stated that the glossary was intended as an introduction, not a definitive source, for LGBTQ+ terminology. The university is currently reviewing the definitions and their origins.