It’s funny, this word: Feminist. People take to it in such a negative way; like you have to be “an angry lesbian who doesn’t wear makeup or shave her armpits.” There’s absolutely nothing wrong with any of that, I don’t think. There’s nothing wrong with someone’s sexual orientation; it is what it is. And there’s nothing wrong with someone who doesn’t wear makeup, just like there’s nothing wrong with someone who does. I draw the line at the shaving your armpits though- I mean, more power to you, but how do you manage sweat?

I am just a regular chick, who happens to believe that women should be treated fairly and equally, and women should have the right to choose to be whoever they want to be, and live their lives the way they want to live their lives, without repercussions or gender judgments.

Feminism, by definition, is the advocacy for women’s rights, equal to those of men. I don’t particularly understand how people still view women as less than equal, and I especially don’t understand why we are still trying to prove our worth. What makes one human being less than another? How does MY uterus make me less? It shouldn’t. I am a human being. That should be enough.

My sexual orientation shouldn’t have to do with me being a feminist. My choices, as to continuing my education and pursuing multiple careers, shouldn’t have anything to do with me being a feminist. I am not angry at women who choose to stick to traditional gender roles. I am not angry at women who choose to stay home with their children In fact, if I am in the position to be able to do that one day, I might do it myself. That doesn’t make ME less of a feminist. I am not angry at men. I am not a man hater. I am not angry at men who take out the trash or men who fix the plumbing. I am not angry at men who open doors for women. I like that. I am not angry with anyone who shows respect to another human being. I am a woman who believes other women have the right to do so as they please.

Do not tell me “You’re good for a girl.” Do not tell me “I am smart for a woman.” Do not tell me “women don’t do that.” Do not tell me “You shouldn’t or couldn’t” because I am a woman. Do not tell me “you can’t.” Do not tell me to “be quiet or silent because men don’t like women with opinions.” Do not tell me “You are a bitch” because I stood up for myself.  Do not say anything that lessens my existence or worth. Do not disrespect me.

Do not look at me in such a way that lessens my entire being because you can not break free from the small box your mind lives in. Do not judge me when I make my man dinner or if I ask him to make me dinner. Do not lessen my worth because I get my nails done or because I want to look pretty. I can be pretty and smart and successful and athletic and chubby all at the same time. I can be whoever I want to be. Any woman can.

So to be a feminist, you do not have to be a certain somebody. You can be anybody. Anybody who believes women should have equal rights, choices, respect; anybody who believes women can live freely and take their lives in whichever direction works for them. A feminist is someone who believes that women are just as important; a gracious, admiring, appreciative supporter of women. ALL women.