There are countless stereotypes that portray feminism dishonestly, making it difficult for men to see themselves as crucial allies in the fight for gender equality.
That is starting to change thanks to a broader public embrace of feminism. The HeForShe campaign, a United Nations initiative, challenges men to advocate for women's rights and gives them a platform to participate. It also helps that famous men like Harrison Ford and Orange is the New Black actor Matt McGory have started to unabashedly adopt the feminist label.
HAPPY INT'L WOMEN'S DAY!!! My shirt is on sale for 2 weeks benefitting pro-choice @NARAL https://t.co/aXcGvB39kw pic.twitter.com/7KyG1UXw2X— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) March 8, 2016
But you don't have to be an activist or famous to see the value of declaring yourself a male feminist. Here are what 16 men on the app Whisper anonymously had to say about their choices to champion feminism.
equality between genders, nothing else.' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
flowers. Infantilization of women has to stop.' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
raise the voices of women, but i will never speak for them.' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
fight for equality. This includes things like making men and women having
equal custody rights. We do help men.' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
for selfish reasons: Been knocked down by depression which has been made
far worse by societal expectations of men... ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
experienced some kind of sexual assault or violence in her life.. Not a
single one. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
friends cause I'm worried I'll get judged ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
activists complain about are caused by the patriarchy. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
inferior to men, and women can't do anything men can. Is this what you
want? ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
that you truly love women without wanting them to have equal rights, pay,
and freedom.' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
any other woman to feel less than and not capable of doing what they want. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
to fight for the rights of others without being criticized for it.
#equalityforall' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
today have the wrong definition of feminism. We all want equality. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
this stereotypical violently masculine man with no emotions except anger.
That's not who I am. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
opportunity no matter the race, religion, or gender. I try and spread this
message to my male friends but don't feel like I'm being heard. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />
men to label women as "sluts" just because they do what men do. As I age,
things start to become clearer. ' style='width:100%;max-width:640px;border:none;' />