MY FEMINIST MANIFESTO

I never believed in feminism until I took a Women’s Studies course at the post-secondary level. Feminism was always a White woman ideology; it was White women driving the movement for their gain. It never seemed like women of colour were included in this movement for equality. University has taught me that while at a time feminism was inherently racist, it is now doing its best to be more inclusive. For the purpose of academia, one could say that my feminism is rooted in the works of second wave feminist bell hooks and even the likes of Jessica Yee and the Riot Grrrl’s have informally contributed to my feminism. Personally speaking, my feminism was inspired from EVERY bad ass woman on this planet, women who may not even define themselves as a feminist but still hold feminist ideals. As long as you were a woman who did one thing that women “should not do” I was inspired (regardless of the magnitude of that “thing”). My feminism has to do with the self, and how I want to define it. On any given day my feminism can change; the one thing that stays the same is that everyone is included regardless of race, class, religion, sexual orientation, and any other marker of difference. My feminism is about inclusivity. Everyone is entitled to their own feminism, and this is mine.

Manifesto

- Dream big. Everything starts with a dream. Nothing is impossible.

- Explore yourself and the world around you. Try new things. Be creative. Surprise yourself with your capabilities.

- Live for yourself because if you don’t, no one else will.

- Laugh a little more. Life’s more fun that way.

- Love your friends. Your family. Even those who do not like you; gather inspiration from those rooting for your demise. Most importantly, love YOURSELF. You cannot truly love anyone until you love within.

- Listen to your friends. Your family. But, most importantly, listen to your heart ♥

- Respect. Those around you, those who came before you, and those who will come after you.

- DEFY all odds. Remember that these socially constructed gender norms are bullshit, and you don’t have to adhere to them. Challenge everything you don’t believe in. Live life your way.