Dear men,

We're living in a hard time right now for equality, because for a feminist, it's like we've taken one step forward and three steps back, and it's sad to watch. We're fired up, we're angry, we're protesting, and we're marching. But let this come from someone who does her research and understands the meaning of being a true feminist. We don't want you to hurt and we realize you also go through many standards and stereotypes too.

So guys, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that society tells you that you need to be strong and big. I'm sorry that you feel like you can't take your shirt off unless you're ripped. That's one of my least favorite stereotypes. Guys have to be big and strong and girls have to be fragile and weak. The guy is supposed to be the hero and save the day, but what happens when a man needs saving? What do you do when you're hurting inside but you can't show it because society tells you it's not manly to cry? I'm sorry. I'm sorry it's viewed as weird for you to be depressed and have emotions and I'm sorry it's weird for you to want to talk about it.

I'm sorry that some of you also get raped and experience rape culture as well, but we only talk about it when it comes to women. Please understand that us women have a huge fight to put up when it comes to rape culture, but we haven't forgotten about you. I'm sorry that your body is sexualized, too, and you get compared to the size or body type of other men all the time. That must suck and I promise you, us women get it too.

I'm sorry if you suffer from a disorder or self harm and you're embarrassed and think you can't get help. We're all human and we all experience pain. I'm so sorry that society makes it easier for women to admit those struggles than men. You don't have to always be strong, you don't have to be the protector or the provider, it's okay for you to just be you. It's okay for you to be a human being who struggles like the rest of us. Let down your walls and break the stigma, we're here for you.

Guys, I'm sorry you have to work out all the time and do sports. I'm sorry you're called gay if you like music and theatre; I'm also sorry parts of society think there's something wrong with being gay anyway. We accept you for you and it's okay to like or do whatever you want. I'm sorry you can't wear a fashionable sweater or scarf without appearing feminine. I'm sorry if you like baking and your scared to admit it to your friends. I'm sorry society has you thinking certain things are "too feminine" for you.

So men, I'm sorry you go through things that no one really talks about. Please know feminists are here for you. Those who fully support equality are here for you. We know it's not all rainbows and butterflies for you, we know you hurt and we see the standard you're held to as well. It's not fair, and if we all took a minute to step back and put ourselves in each other's shoes, we'd understand the pain. We preach spreading love not hate, and as you all are human just like us, we love you for who you are and not who society tells you to be.

Sincerely,

A feminist who truly supports equality for both sexes.