I’m a cis male and I believe in the importance of feminism, but I hesitate to call myself a feminist because it seems like there is a presumption of understanding women’s experiences as if I was part of the Me Too movement. In some binary sense given how hateful and shitty men can be I’m absolutely a feminist, but I wouldn’t declare myself to be one. What is your standpoint?

  • mlfh@lm.mlfh.orgEnglish
    52·
    2 hours ago

    I was raised with Gloria Steinem’s definition of feminism shaping my understanding, and have called myself a feminist since I was a child:

    “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”

    A more modern and inclusive version of that same idea, adopted by UN Women:

    “Feminism is the belief that everyone, regardless of gender, should have equal rights and opportunities.”

    Feminism is a very complex grouping of movements and ideologies, but I think “membership” within them is very simple: if you believe in equality regardless of gender, you’re a feminist.