Unveiling the Pressure on Italian Language: Patriarchy, Trans-feminist Resistance, and EU Resolution 2021/2557

Abstract

In March 2021, the EU Parliament adopted Resolution 2021/2557, a legally binding measure that mandates all 27 member states to recognize the right to gender self-identification and to implement juridical norms aligned with this principle. Among its most transformative provisions, the Resolution calls for eliminating the male-female binary in favor of a more expansive framework that currently recognizes at least twenty-one gender identities - a number expected to grow. It also urges the revision of national languages to dismantle patriarchal structures and ensure that legal and institutional language reflects principles of gender plurality and inclusivity. Widely seen as a landmark victory for trans-feminist individuals and advocacy groups, this measure has sparked both support and controversy. The research examines whether such linguistic reforms foster inclusion or provoke democratic tensions in Italy, where gendered language is deeply rooted in historical, grammatical, and cultural traditions. It further investigates how trans-feminist advocacy - supported ideologically and financially by EU bodies (Commission, Parliament, and Council) - has gained significant influence, particularly as left-wing progressive political forces currently hold the majority within these institutions. These actors play a central role in shaping the narrative and enforcement of gender policies across EU member states. Employing a qualitative case study methodology, the analysis draws on a diverse range of materials, including press articles, televised debates, public messaging, lexical usage, multimedia content, and ideologically charged propaganda to assess the impact of EU gender policy on Italy’s linguistic landscape. Findings suggest that while these interventions promote visibility and recognition for gender-diverse individuals, they also raise concerns about linguistic autonomy, democratic principles, and the broader cultural consequences of ideologically driven legal mandates.