9 Portraits That Prove Feminism Really Is For Everyone

"Feminism isn’t just for women, feminism is for all of us."
"Feminism relates to a person who believes in equal rights and opportunity, irrespective of gender."
"Feminism relates to a person who believes in equal rights and opportunity, irrespective of gender."
Wildfang

This is what a feminist looks like. And this. And this. And this...

Feminist clothing company Wildfang created "The F Word," a photo series which features nine photos of self-identifying -- very different -- feminists. The images, which were published on International Women's Day, challenge perceptions about who can and can't be a feminist by featuring a diverse group of people. The series includes a minister, a beauty queen, a Samoan father with his three daughters and a group of strippers.

"Our point of view is that feminism relates to a person who believes in equal rights and opportunity, irrespective of gender," CEO Wildfang Emma McIlroy told The Huffington Post. "We invite everyone -- men, women, trans community -- to support feminism and call themselves a feminist."

Wildfang reached out to feminists of all different, ages, ethnicities, religious affiliations, occupations and political affiliations. "We asked each of them to share their take on the F-word," a WildFang blog reads. "Feminism isn’t just for women, feminism is for all of us."

“We invite everyone -- men, women, trans community -- to support feminism and call themselves a feminist.”

- Emma McIlroy, Wildfang CEO

As Wildfang's creative director Taralyn Thuot explained in a press release, the company wanted to "set the record straight" when it comes to feminism.

"In the lead up to this shoot, we did research and outreach with our community that made it clear that there was ambiguity, fear, passion and confusion associated with the word 'feminism.' We wanted to set the record straight," Thuot wrote. "So we shot a group of self-identifying but unexpected feminists in really authentic yet provocative situations to challenge perceptions and start conversations."

Each image is titled with the person's name, we well as a list of identifiers, which each subject defined for themselves. Underneath is a quote that sums up why they consider themselves feminists.

Feminists come in all shapes, sizes and colors -- and here's proof.

Scroll below to read why these 10 people are feminists.

Goldini: "Rapper, Portlander, International Man of Mystery"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“Why do I consider myself a feminist? It’s 2016. Do I really need to explain why I support equal rights?”
Fatmah: "Afro-Arab, Muslim American, Social Justice Activist, Student"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“I think some may be surprised to hear that I identify as feminist depending on how they define it and whether or not they see my hijab as a symbol for feminism or oppression. Feminism to me is being able to remove all the checked boxes that ‘define’ a person based on cultural expectations and societal norms, and being able to define yourself based on your own values and ideologies. We live in a time of injustice, inequitable access, and hatred towards different identities. As a country that constantly talks about equal rights and justice, we’ve failed, and we must change that.”
Erik: "Dad and Husband, Bird and Big Game Hunter, Gardner, Home Brewer"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“I am a Republican man so some (false) stereotypes might suggest that I cannot also be a feminist, but I thoroughly support the idea of equal opportunity for all women. The term feminist has picked up ‘radical’ connotations in the past, but to me equality isn’t radical.”
Alicia: "Miss Arizona, Model, Singer and Sun Devil"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“I probably get judged for being a beauty queen, but being a feminist isn’t about what job you do or how you look, it’s about treating each other with respect and allowing each person to make their own choices without being held back or restricted.”
Michael: "Minister, Faith-Based Organizer for Wall Street, Dr. Who Obsessed"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“Sadly, the Christian church, for almost its entire history, has too often been used to justify and bolster patriarchy, racism, and inequality. Because of this, the church has become synonymous with all these evils for many people, and sometimes they are surprised to hear the true spiritual life of compassion and equality articulated by a Christian Minister. But my read of the scriptures leads me to believe that Jesus himself was a feminist, so how can I not do my best to follow this example?”
Elle: "Stripper, Activist, Mother, Writer"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“People don’t understand that sex work is a true model for how consent SHOULD work… I provide access to my time and body in exchange for money. I am a gatekeeper for this access, and my clients do not receive service if they do not respect me or my boundaries.”
Ace: "Samoan Family Man, Believer in Strong Family Values, Passionate about Life"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“When society hears ‘feminist’ they automatically see a woman, not a man. What people fail to realize is feminism is a movement and a belief that supports the equality of women. I can only hope that when my three daughters are out in the real world on their own, they are judged based on experience, education, their morals and beliefs, and not on their gender.”
Jeremy(left): "Transguy, Typewriter Troubadour, Advocate" // Shannon(right): "Assistant Principal, LGBTQIA+ Activist, Mama"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
Jeremy: “Calling myself a feminist helps me to redefine what it means to be a man, how to be an ally to women, people of color, LGBTQ and other marginalized groups of people.”

Shannon: “I am a feminist because I recognize that oppression of women has lead to many of the downfalls of contemporary American culture. When hearing from women leading movements, we hear change must happen. When hearing from women of color, we hear even more radical change must occur. When listening to trans and queer women of color, we hear a call to action and call to social justice that involves every institution our country is built upon. There is no other way to heal from the past that does not include listening to those most oppressed.”
Leah: "12 Years Old, Biologist/Activist in the making, Type 1 Diabetic, Hip Hop Nerd of Minecraft"
Jules Davies for Wildfang
“Some people think young girls can’t have opinions or be activists. I am a feminist because I believe gender does not matter, we should all be equals. We are all humans; living, using, and relying on this earth.”

Head over to Wildfang to read more about the project or to buy some awesome feminist gear.

Before You Go

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