Title: So You Want to Be a Male Feminist? Here Are 11 Simple Rules to Follow - Everyday Feminism
Headings: So You Want to Be a Male Feminist? Here Are 11 Simple Rules to Follow
So You Want to Be a Male Feminist? Here Are 11 Simple Rules to Follow
1. Understand that women are leading the way and affirm their capable leadership. Don’t assert yourself at the forefront.
2. When it comes to issues that directly pertain to women’s bodies and experiences, be quiet and listen.
3. Men don’t get to determine if they are “allies” to the feminist movement. Women do.
4. Take responsibility for addressing men’s issues with other men, rather than expecting women in feminism to do all of the work.
5. Use your male privilege to encourage other men to work towards gender equality under women’s leadership.
6. Don’t use the label of ‘feminist’ as a way to try to get women to like you — that’s disingenuous and counterproductive.
7. When given opportunities to execute professional tasks related to feminist issues, consider referring other women instead.
Don’t be afraid to suggest a woman peer if you’re not the best suited for the event or discourse.
8. Educate yourself about the history of feminism and how women of different backgrounds have approached the movement.
9. Ensure your feminism is intersectional.
10. Acknowledge that sometimes, women need opportunities to discuss feminist issues without the presence of men. And that’s okay.
11. When women criticize your involvement in feminism, don’t talk over them or talk down to them. Actively listen and be accountable.
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Content: It’s a critique against mainstream, white-centered feminism levied by Mikki Kendall and feminists around the world in August 2013 with the viral hashtag #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen. 10. Acknowledge that sometimes, women need opportunities to discuss feminist issues without the presence of men. And that’s okay. When hashing out difficult conversations, ideas and questions about women’s issues, and the direction of the movement, it can be challenging to deal with interjections from men who derail the conversation due to their relative lack of understanding. In addition, some women may feel more comfortable discussing their bodies and their experiences absent the gaze and presence of men, whose thoughts, needs, and desires are privileged in virtually all sectors of society. Instead of taking offense, practice respect and compassion by minimizing yourself in the situation and by simply asking if there’s any way you can be helpful outside of the closed dialogue. 11. When women criticize your involvement in feminism, don’t talk over them or talk down to them. Actively listen and be accountable.