Though I agree with what Faludi is saying in "Blame it on Feminism," who is talking about out the feminism backlash, I have to say that though I am gay and a woman (and though they are inextricably linked), I feel more anger in my womanhood than as a lesbian. Perhaps this is because I feel most of the negativity I've felt in my life has circled around me being a female as opposed to me identifying as gay.
Maybe it's also because there are places where it's okay to be gay in the US (urban areas, etc.), but being a woman makes me always feel like I'm one step behind, or lower in hierarchy in so many areas. Or perhaps it's because of what Faludi is talking about...everyone knows that the gay rights movement still has a long way to go -- nobody is arguing against that. Yet there are people in this world who believe (falsely and injuriously) that women have achieved equality -- which is something I can honestly say I have never felt, something that, no matter what the media tries to tell me, I will not be able to believe.
(Side note: I am aware that many people are against gay rights, but you know what? Many people are against women's rights. The difference is that people refuse to acknowledge that they are against [passively or actively] women's rights...maybe because they're afraid of losing the female vote.)
How dare anyone blame feminism! This frustrates me so much. It's like we're trying to be turned against ourselves!!! But I have faith, if only because I know that most women feel the same way as I do, even when the world (media, pop culture, etc.) is trying to convince them otherwise.
I am, above all else, a woman, and I am a feminist.
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