So I’ve realized that in conversations I’ll use traditional terms for men as general terms for both genders, both singularly and for groups. I always mean it well, but I’ve been thinking that it’s not as inclusive to women/trans people.
For example I would say:
“What’s up guys?” “How’s it going man?” "Good job, my dude!” etc.
Replacing these terms with person, people, etc sounds awkward. Y’all works but sounds very southern US (nowhere near where I am located) so it sounds out of place.
So what are some better options?
I would probably use gals in your specific example, but personally, I would use guys if addressing a group of girl friends, but that’s just how I perceive the word. I guess once you add ‘the’ or ‘some’ behind guys, I perceive it as masculine, but it feels totally neutral to me in other contexts, such as “C’mon guys, let’s go X!” or “Guys, check this out.”