A lot of people look at me strangely when I say I’m a feminist.

It’s the look most white women get when they make that claim: “Oh here we go, another white feminist.” Usually, you would be right. Unfortunately, most white women in America lay claim to white feminism as actual feminism, when truthfully, it is far from it. True intersectional feminism is the feminism I believe in and preach every day, and here are the reasons why:

1. Victim shaming/blaming is a tragically real and prolific problem when it comes to sexual assault survivors. (I included).

2. Transwomen are not considered “real women”.

3. Differently-abled women are consistently left out in feminist talks.

4. Women of Color are the most marginalized group in America, black and Latina women combined.

5. Of course, the continuous struggle for equal pay.

6. Feminine men are seen as weak.

7. The patriarchal society we live in not only oppresses women, but men as well.

8. I’m tired of hearing:

a. “Boys will be boys”

b. “You should smile more”

9. Some cultures around the world still practice female circumcision.

10. Women around the world are being injured and killed for rejecting a man’s attentions/ affections.

11. There’s a frat song that goes as follows: “no means yes, yes means anal”.

12. It’s okay for little girls to be tomboyish but god forbid a boy wants to play with “girl” toys.

13. The fact that toys are gendered.

14. Also the fact that there is such a word as “tomboy” but no male equivalent. Why? Because it’s acceptable to “man” traits as opposed to “female” traits.

15. White feminism is not TRUE feminism, and I will continue to work every day until all women feel included in the movement of equality.

Why do you need feminism?