Prior to reading the first chapter of “Feminism is for Everybody- Passionate Politics” by Bell Hooks, my thoughts and opinions on feminism were as simple as equality for all. Though I am not a consistent activist, I always seemed to agree with the protests and general posts regarding feminism. A fault on my behalf is not taking action to make a change on such topics- avoiding the troubles. Oblivion may be bliss but it does not take away the injustices we face. Myself, as a queer woman, find myself enraged when I hear the cruel reality of the standards some individuals (both men and women) still believe against women, races, sexuality, culture, etc. I just want to yell: “CAN YOU JUST LET EVERYONE BE HAPPY WITH THEMSELVES!?”. Unfortunately, to avoid anger, I catch myself avoiding it, therefore lacking knowledge of what exactly feminism is all about. At least in details.
Bell Hooks begins to make it simple for me in a way that makes sense. In a way that I agree. A movement not only consisting of enraged women like many may believe, but simply humans, in favor of equal rights. To create a future world where sexism, racism, and sexual exploitation is not an issue we continue to face.
Following the reading of Bell Hooks, I enjoyed the reading “Sex and Gender 101”. As a New Yorker experiencing this city, I have met all types of people. Rather interesting, in the last couple of years, I have caught myself googling and teaching myself about different genders and sexual orientations. There is so much to learn! I loved the categories it was broken down to, I find it an easy way to be able to explain it to someone in the future that is easily self explanatory: Gender assignment: The gender you were assigned by basically your family based off body features.. Gender identity: The gender you choose to identify yourself as. and Gender expression: The gender you choose to express yourself as, perhaps by style, hairdo, personality, etc.
To conclude, I would love to share my current identity. Though I agree labels are not needed, I have been pretty set and stoned on mine : Cisgender female- bisexual.
