Should Men Call Themselves ‘Pro-Feminist’ Instead of ‘Feminist’?

June 26, 2016 / Ronnie Ritchie

Have you come across the idea that men shouldn’t call themselves feminists?

There are many different approaches to feminism, and some say that men can be more effective allies by calling themselves “pro-feminists” instead.

So what’s the difference?

Drop into this conversation for some perspective on why some feminists feel this way – and why others think everyone should be able to call themselves a feminist. If you’re a man, this can help you figure out which term is best for you.

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

Click for the Transcript

Panel 1

(Person A approaches his friend, Person B)

Person A: Hey, I heard something yesterday and I wanted your opinion on it.

Person B: Alright, go ahead.

Panel 2

Person A: I’ve heard from some feminists that men shouldn’t call themselves “feminist,” but should instead call themselves “pro-feminist.” What are your thoughts?

Panel 3

Person B: I’ve been hearing more about this recently. Wanting allies to call themselves “pro-feminist” instead of just “feminist“ is part of an identity-focused language change in a lot of liberation movements.

Panel 4

(A group of protesters gather together, carrying signs with statements like “A Is for Asexual, Not Ally!” and “There were no allies at Stonewall!” or “Queer Liberation Needs Queer Voices!”)

Person B: You can see a good example of identity-focused language in the LGBTQIA+ community. There have been multiple statements that the A in the acronym stands for asexual/aromatic/agender, and not ally. Allies are just that – allies to the community, not part of the community itself.

Panel 5

(A news reporter starts to ask questions of a male ally, pointing the microphone at him, but the ally instead refers the reporter to the feminist activist next to him.)

Person B: For many, extending that idea to feminism is a way that allies can practice humility through language. Men don’t experience misogyny in the way that women and people read as women do, so by calling themselves “pro-feminist,” they can decenter themselves from the discussion and work on supporting feminist leaders.

Panel 6

(Above Person A and B hovers the image of several people holding each others’ hands up in a victorious pose.)

Person A: Are there people who don’t think that?

Person B: Oh yeah! Some people think that everyone should be able to call themselves feminists, including allies. Claiming the same title is a statement of support – that there’s more people involved in women’s liberation other than people for whom it’s a personal matter.

Panel 7

Person B: Do I know which is better myself? Not really. There’s tons of different approaches to feminism, and this is just another part of that. Just listen to the feminists around you, and you may find something that works with them.

Panel 8

(Person A and B clasp hands amiably.)

Person A: Thanks for the advice. I’ve got a lot to think about.

Person B: Hey, no problem.

To learn more about this topic, check out:

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Ronnie Rene Ritchie is a Contributing Comic Artist for Everyday Feminism, an illustrator, and storyteller working out of Peterborough, Ontario. Since graduating from the Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon with a BFA in Illustration, Ronnie has had work featured in galleries and sex shops across North America, and their autobiographical webcomic, GQutie, has seen its popularity soar online. Learn more about GQutie, Ronnie’s illustration, or follow them on Twitter @ronithebear.