Can We All Be Feminists?

1. Feminism Must Embrace Intersectional Identities

Feminism must demand full and rich lives for those of us who are not white, who are not financially comfortable, who are not thin, who are not able-bodied or neurotypical.

Inclusivity is essential. True feminism cannot be limited to the experiences of a privileged few. It must actively fight for the liberation of all women, regardless of race, class, ability, sexuality, or other marginalized identities. This requires acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by women at the intersections of multiple forms of oppression.

Intersectional analysis. Failing to account for intersecting identities means leaving a huge swath of women out of feminist politics. Mainstream feminism often ignores women who don't fit into the white, cisgender, heterosexual, upper- or upper-middle-class, able-bodied mold, focusing only on the concerns of women like them.

Beyond a single lens. The most significant challenges aren’t tethered to one’s sex. Prioritizing gender above other aspects of identity limits one’s realm of ethical response. Feminism without intersectionality is worthless.

2. Mainstream Feminism Often Ignores Marginalized Women

Ignoring the problems of less advantaged women to secure the rights, and later, the high-profile achievement, of the privileged has been part of feminism’s legacy since the beginning.

Historical exclusion. From the suffrage movement to contemporary issues, mainstream feminism has often prioritized the concerns of white, middle-class women while neglecting or actively excluding marginalized groups. This pattern of exclusion undermines the movement's claim to represent all women.

Examples of exclusion:

• Suffragettes who were often outspoken racists and fomented anti-Black sentiment
• White figureheads of feminism in the 1960s and 1970s who were willfully ignorant about and explicitly unconcerned by the social concerns shared by women of color
• Prominent British feminists who stoke anti-trans fears among their followers and rally for further criminalization and stigmatization of sex work

Consequences of exclusion. Mainstream feminism's lack of an intersectional focus could be a mortal threat to its very existence if a plurality of women and nonbinary folks don’t see it as a tool that has the power to change their lives.

3. The Black Church's Complex Relationship with Bodies

From my point of view, it seems to me the flesh and spirit are one. It seems to me that when you mortify one, you have mortified the other.

Dualistic tension. The Black church grapples with a complex relationship with the body, often emphasizing self-control and discipline while simultaneously providing a space for emotional expression and community. This tension can lead to both liberation and repression, particularly for Black women.

Historical context. During the civil rights movement, Black leaders often promoted a message of respectability and self-control in order to counter racist stereotypes and gain acceptance from white society. This emphasis on discipline sometimes came at the expense of individual expression and freedom.

The body as a site of violence. For Black women, the body is not only a source of potential sin but also a site of historical and ongoing violence. The legacy of slavery and sexual exploitation has shaped the way Black women experience their bodies and navigate the world.

4. Representation Matters, But It's Not Enough

I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.

Inspiration and visibility. Seeing women of color in high-profile positions can be empowering and inspiring for young people from marginalized communities. Representation can challenge stereotypes and create new possibilities for self-expression and achievement.

The burden of representation. Women of color are often expected to speak for their entire community and to explain their experiences to white audiences. This burden can be exhausting and can reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Beyond tokenism. True representation requires more than just visibility. It demands structural change, economic equality, and an end to the systemic oppression that marginalizes women of color.

5. Immigration Policy is a Feminist Issue

Unless we de-link immigration status from women seeking safety, [who have experienced] domestic violence, we can only provide a partial safety net at best.

Gendered impact. Immigration policies often have a disproportionate impact on women, particularly women of color and those from marginalized communities. Factors such as income requirements, language proficiency tests, and restrictions on public benefits can create barriers to safety and opportunity.

Domestic violence and immigration status. Immigrant women who are victims of domestic violence are particularly vulnerable, as their immigration status may be tied to their abuser. Fear of deportation can prevent women from seeking help or leaving abusive relationships.

Intersectional approach. A truly feminist approach to immigration policy would prioritize the safety and well-being of all women, regardless of their immigration status. This would require addressing issues such as economic inequality, language barriers, and access to legal and social services.

6. Tradition Can Be a Tool of Oppression

For your grandparents’ generation, having those roots meant being a certain way. For me and your dad, having those roots means having a foot in your grandparents’ camp, and being our own selves, and having a foot in your camp.

Preserving culture. In an effort to preserve a culture left behind, progress in the British-Punjabi diaspora has slowed down. Feminism for us doesn’t seem as pressing as India’s issues.

Patriarchal norms. The patriarchal nature of South Asian families often results in female voices being silenced. There’s nothing more painful than being dismissed by your own group.

Tradition vs. Progress. The tension between tradition and progress is a recurring theme in the lives of many women of color. Balancing cultural values with feminist ideals can be a complex and challenging process.

7. Deviant Bodies Challenge Normative Standards

I am not a Russian doll. There is not a thin woman inside me waiting to come out.

Rejection of the default. Deviant bodies challenge the dominant norms and expectations of beauty, health, and ability. By existing outside these narrow standards, they disrupt the status quo and create space for alternative ways of being.

Internalized oppression. The pressure to conform to societal ideals can lead to internalized oppression, in which individuals internalize negative messages about their own bodies and identities. This can manifest as self-loathing, shame, and a desire to change oneself to fit in.

Embracing self-acceptance. The path to liberation involves rejecting these internalized messages and embracing one's own body and identity, regardless of societal expectations. This requires self-compassion, self-love, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

8. Subterfuge Can Be a Necessary Feminist Tactic

I want to shout about bodily autonomy, about the abortion regime as a simple extension of Ireland’s historical church-endorsed persecution of women, as a symptom of women’s second-class citizenry in the Irish republic.

Strategic pragmatism. In certain contexts, achieving feminist goals may require employing tactics that are not explicitly feminist or that even appear to contradict feminist principles. This can involve appealing to dominant ideologies or working within existing power structures.

The ends justify the means? The use of subterfuge raises ethical questions about the relationship between means and ends. While some argue that the ends justify the means, others believe that the process of achieving change is just as important as the outcome.

Contextual considerations. The decision to employ strategies of subterfuge must be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific context, the potential consequences, and the values and principles at stake.

9. The Power of Community and Chosen Families

As women, we have been taught either to ignore our differences, or to view them as causes for separation and suspicion rather than as forces for change.

Finding belonging. For marginalized individuals, finding a sense of belonging and community can be a powerful source of strength and resilience. Chosen families, in particular, can provide support, affirmation, and a sense of identity that may be lacking in traditional family structures.

Breaking down isolation. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can help to combat feelings of isolation and alienation. Sharing stories, offering support, and building solidarity can create a sense of collective power and agency.

Creating safe spaces. Feminist communities and other safe spaces can provide a refuge from the hostility and discrimination of the wider world. These spaces can be particularly important for individuals who are navigating multiple forms of oppression.

10. The Importance of Fluidity in Afro-Diasporic Feminism

I am not a Russian doll. There is not a thin woman inside me waiting to come out.

Rejecting rigid definitions. Afro-diasporic feminism recognizes the fluidity and complexity of identity, rejecting rigid definitions and embracing the multiplicity of experiences within the Black diaspora. This approach allows for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of gender, race, and culture.

Challenging colonial legacies. Afro-diasporic feminism seeks to decolonize the mind and body by challenging the imposed values and norms of European colonialism. This involves reclaiming indigenous traditions, celebrating Black beauty, and resisting the pressure to assimilate into white culture.

Creating new narratives. By centering the voices and experiences of Black women, Afro-diasporic feminism creates new narratives that challenge dominant power structures and offer alternative visions of liberation and justice.

Last updated: February 27, 2025