1. "Like Totally Whatever" by Melissa Lozada-Oliva
Melissa Lozada-Oliva's poem Like Totally Whatever perfectly encompasses the feeling of trying to navigate through male-dominated professional fields as a woman. Lozada-Oliva captures the struggle to be taken seriously and respected, as well as the anger she feels because she has to work harder than her male peers. If you like this poem, try readingFeminist Fight Club by Jessica Bennett.
2. "Pocket-Sized Feminism" by Blythe Baird
Blythe Baird's poem is a raw and powerful response to sexual assault, rape culture, and sexism. She touches on many universal experiences shared by all women, of all ages. Check out another one of Baird's performances about rape culture here.
3. "Fantastic Breasts and Where To Find Them" by Brenna Twohy
Brenna Twohy's performance starts as a hilarious tribute to Harry Potter erotica, but she soon delves into the problematic and sexist aspects of the porn industry, and how it can contribute to rape culture. She ends her powerful poem as an ode to self love and acceptance.
4. "For Teenage Girls" by Clementine von Radics
Though Clementine von Radics' speech addresses teenage girls, you can't help but feel awe as she pours through a long list of young women who succeeded in the face of adversity. This poem is perfect if you need a little midday motivation or inspiration.
5. "To Be Black and Woman and Alive" by Crystal Valentine and Aaliyah Jihad
Crystal Valentine and Aaliyah Jihad's duo poetry performance is extremely powerful and thought- provoking. Their poem is a raw, honest perspective of what it is like to be a woman of color, and the modern stereotypes and struggles WoC must overcome.
