Search results for: gender identity
A Stirring Conversation on Life as a Black Woman in the US
Do you know how it feels to live at the intersection of sexism and anti-black racism? These women share their struggles with workplace discrimination, police profiling, and more – with an affirming message of how they find hope.
Read MoreSeeing Other Women As Allies, Rather Than Enemies: A How-To
When this woman looked at other women’s accomplishments, she felt worse about herself and criticizing them was her defense mechanism. Here’s why, and how, we can support rather than lament the success of other women.
Read MoreWe Need to Stop Making Assumptions About Why Women Wear Make-Up — Here’s Why
I still, on occasion, wear make-up. But what is the rationale behind the choice? I still question myself about it, mainly to minimize any risk of my falling into the trap of presenting versus being present. What is your make-up motive? Is the choice to wear make-up yet another trap that women fall prey to when battling between who they are expected to be, and who they authentically are?
Read More#BeThatGuy: 7+ Everyday Ways Men Can Transform Masculinity
I recently wrote a piece on my personal blog that highlighted seven men who are transforming masculinity, and I was blown away by how well it resonated. In reflecting on the post, I realized that it was so popular because it touched on an unfilled need. We need to talk about what a more inclusive masculinity could actually look like beyond “Real men cry, too.”
Read More3 Compelling Truths About Feminism That All Black Men Should Consider
As the Black community continues to fight against anti-Black violence, legislation, and other forms of racist oppression, we must also learn how to be better allies and support systems to each other. This article asks the community to consider feminism as a tool to unite Black people across gender and heal the patriarchal remnants of slavery and white supremacy.
Read MoreHow Hollywood Created the ‘Spicy’ Latina Stereotype – And Why It’s Harmful
Like Sofía Vergara’s character on Modern Family, the “spicy Latina” is loud, passionate – and an example of how damaging stereotypes can be. Do you know how the government helped create this?
Read More5 Ways to Rise Up Against Toxic Media Messages and Love Yourself as a Black Woman
There are so many harmful, violent, and oppressive messages in the media about Black women. Those messages can harmfully inform how Black women think about themselves, as well as how they are perceived by society and within their communities. Check out this article to learn how to replace toxic media messages with self-love, self-efficacy, healing, and liberation.
Read MoreThe Dangers of Dating Faux Feminist Men
“Do I have to break up with him?” What does it mean to date a man who’s got all the feminist lingo down, but fails to live by feminist values?
Read MoreThe Worst Thing About Being Catcalled Is My Guilt
Have you ever blamed yourself for being catcalled? A stunning perspective on carrying shame from street harassment.
Read More5 Reasons Why Menstruation Is Awesome (Despite What We’re Told)
Menstruation. That dirty little secret that half the population is expected to keep. That shameful reality that we take extreme measures to avoid. It’s completely reasonable that one might not enjoy a period. But those are not reasons to be shamed for having a body that bleeds. We need to reclaim this experience and find power in the blood that unites us!
Read MoreThis Video About Harriet Tubman Will Forever Change How You Understand US History
Think history is boring? This story about Harriet Tubman and her “army of bad bitches” will make you question everything you thought about history – including whose stories get told and whose badassery gets buried.
Read MoreHere’s What’s Really Happening When White Saviors Try to ‘Save’ Muslim Women
Can you identify Imperial Feminism? It’s the kind of “feminism” that centers the narratives of white saviors and strips away agency of Muslim women and women of color in general. Framing non-Western nations as savage and misogynistic and white Western people as heroes ignores the truth of misogyny. Read on to see it for what it really is – gendered racism.
Read More4 Common Lies You Should Stop Believing About Black Single Mothers Right Now
“The Black community’s problem is all those unwed mothers raising kids without father figures!” Everyone from Ben Carson to the media spreads these stereotypes – and here’s why they’re wrong.
Read MoreAmericans (Especially Women) Need Paid Family Leave Now
At some point in our lives, most people will need to take off an extended period of time to deal with a family or medical issue. Despite this, only 12% of workers in America receive paid family leave through their jobs. And the lucky ones that do are disproportionately well-educated, high-earning, and male. But what about the rest of us? What happens if we fall ill or have a child?
Read MoreModest Is Hottest? The Revealing Truth
There’s been much talk about modesty being “better.” But when we judge girls and women for the skin they are or are not showing, we are minimizing them to their bodies and repeating the shame-inducing belief that female bodies must be covered to protect boys and men who can’t be held responsible for their thoughts or actions. Women and girls are more than just bodies – let’s treat them like that.
Read More4 Reasons I Feel Guilty For Not Wanting Children
You shouldn’t have to feel guilty for not wanting to have children – but here are some of the reasons you’re not alone if you feel just that.
Read MoreWhy Black Men Participate in Misogynoir – And 3 Ways We Can Fight Against It
“How can you be pro-black if you don’t take the peril of Black women seriously?” Black men learn some damaging messages about Black women – but you can unlearn them.
Read More3 Bullsh*t Reasons Why Women Are Taught To Not Cut Our Hair Short (And Why You Can Do It Anyway)
This author’s experience with cutting her hair reveals some of the biggest BS lies society is still telling short-haired women. Have you experienced any of these BS myths?
Read MorePreserving the Status Quo: The Use of Slippery Slopes Throughout US History
So many people like to argue that society can’t possibly change to accommodate all the needs of its oppressed and marginalized people (though we’re constantly backflipping to protect and validate privilege). But that argument is never based on facts, research, or precedent. Instead, it uses people’s fear of change and loss to deny oppressed people their rights.
Read More5 Harmful Ways We Fail Teenage Girls as a Society
#4” “Their ambitions, opinions, and interests are dismissed as ‘fads.’” If you add to any of these ways society mistreats teenage girls, it’s time to rethink your approach.
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