Honestly I don't think there is any reason to think it has something more to do with wanting it to be more inclusive like he said, it reeks of a lot of the same problems that other shows like this have, they care more about promoting a message or agenda then they do about creating a compelling story.

I think the fact they picked the most effeminate man to swap genders is pretty indicative of that, they swapped the one that they felt would take the least amount of effort. You don't have to think much about how to make a character appeal more female when they already have some typical aspects of femininity about them anyway.

It'll probably turn out to be terrible for the same reason something like the Ghost Busters Reboot was terrible, not because it's inherently a bad idea but because making a great show was a secondary aspect.

The fact he said he couldn't come up with a new character that would mesh well with the main cast I think speaks to that as well.