My Top Feminist Icons

Growing up, some people made "feminist" sound like such an ugly word. They were saying that feminist were these angry women who were anti-men. As I have gotten older, I realized this definition is far from what a feminist truly is. Beyonce said it perfectly when she said feminism is a, "person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes." There are a whole bunch of complicated definitions on the internet, but when it comes down to it, this is what a feminist is.

Today, In honor of the women's march yesterday, I decided to go through some of my favorite feminist celebrity icons.

Beyonce

Without saying much, this photo says it all. She is one of the more vocal celebrities when it comes to feminism and other major social issues. She even wrote an essay about gender equality (which you can click here).

"We have to teach our boys the rules of equality and respect, so that as they grow up, gender equality becomes a natural way of life, and we have to teach our girls that they can reach as high as humanly possible."

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States. This is a woman I look up to in every single way. She is intelligent, beautiful, compassionate, ambitious, and so sincere. I can say so many wonderful things about her.

"No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens."

Ariana Grande

I am an ultra fan of hers, and her view points on social issues is a big reason why. She is a huge feminist and LGBTQ supporter.

"I can't wait to live in a world where people are not valued by who they are dating/ married to/ attached to, having sex with (or not)/ seen with...but their value as an individual. I am tired of living in a world where women are mostly referred to as a man's past, present, or future property/possession."

John Legend

There are so many amazing men who are feminists. For me though, John Legend is my favorite. He is so verbal about his desire for gender equality.

"All men should be feminists. If men care about women's rights the world will be a better place...We are better off when women are empowered - it leads to a better society."

Emma Watson

Emma Watson has done so much more than Hermione Granger in Harry Potter. Two years ago, she spoke at the U.N. about gender equality. From that speech she helped with the He for She campaign.

"I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men."

"It makes me sad to hear girls constantly putting themselves down. We have these unbelievably high expectations of ourselves, when actually we're human beings and our bodies have a function."

"Gender equality not only liberates women but also men from prescribed gender stereotypes."

Ellen Page

Ellen is another person who is a big supporter in gender equality and also the LGBTQ community.

"I call myself a feminist when people ask me if I am, and of course I am 'cause it's all about equality. So I hope everyone is. You know you're working in a patriarchal society when the word feminist has a weird connotation."

So these are a few of the people that I love following on social media and inspire me to be a better feminist and overall person. If you have any feminists you look up to, let me know! Stay strong girls. Have a beautiful day/night.

-Melina xxx

**None of the images in this post are mine**