I need feminism, because we live in a world where a book sells more copies if the author publishes it under a white, male pseudonym.

I need feminism because: my gynecologist should not be allowed to sexually assault me and call it a pelvic exam. 

I need feminism because when asked why sexual crime has increased, “Cuz girls are dressing like sluts,” should NOT have been the response from my female classmates. Or anyone.

I need feminism because 1 in 3 girls in that classroom will be the victim of a sexual crime during their lifetime.

I need feminism…

…because when I say “no” when you put your hands down my skirt, I mean “no.” And I mean it the first time I say it.

…because when I’m talking in our French discussion about the Daily Mail ‘sidebar of shame’s’ objectification of women, all the boys in my class do is stare at my chest.

…because I recently got assaulted by a fifty year old man coming home from a night out, right next to my school, because I wasn’t wearing tights.

…because recently at a party I denied that I was a feminist… because I was worried of what people (men) would think about me.

I NEED FEMINISM

I need feminism because “That’s hot” shouldn’t be the response when I say “I’m gay”

I need feminism because my loving, caring, giving, wonderful boyfriend of 4 1/2 years should NOT be called ‘worthless’ or a ‘waste of time’ by random strangers just because we’re not married.

Our relationship is as valid and meaningful as everybody else’s!

I need feminism because when I tell people I do powerlifting, they are surprised that I look ‘so feminine’, and when I tell them one of my best friends can bench press over 90kg, they ask ‘so does she look like a man? (hot tip: she doesn’t, she looks like a buff sexy babe!)

I am so sick of the idea that women are physically weak, and that if you are not you are somehow less of a woman. I see ladies at the gym all the time who are feminine, strong, beautiful and inspiring and yet so many people seem to think that women gaining strength will somehow magically transform their bodies into a man’s.

I need feminism because being valued for my brains is more important to me than being valued for my looks.

It’s a no-brainer, really.

I need feminism because I hate it when people ask ‘did your boyfriend get you into video games?’, or that once, when I cosplayed as Chell I was asked ‘so, have you actually ever played Portal before?’

I need feminism because I didn’t know what sexual coercion was, or that I had experienced it, until I did a gender studies course at university.

I need feminism because through engaging with the concept of patriarchal privilege, I now can also acknowledge the privilege inherent in being a young, white, educated, able-bodied, middle-class female in Australian society, and work towards equality for ALL.

I need feminism because I’m sick to death of people telling me I can’t strength train because looking ‘BULKY’ is unattractive and girls can’t be as strong as guys. I lift 50lbs+ 

I need feminism because I am going to be a doctor, a wife, and a mother. And no man is going to hold me back or tell me that I can’t be all three.

I need feminism because wearing eyeliner, lipstick, and being flirty doesn’t mean yes. I can act and dress ANY FUCKING WAY I WANT and that doesn’t make me a slut.

Recently, a few people have called me “too flirty” and “too sexual” by the guys I didn’t want to go out with. They say it’s only normal that they think of me as “dating material” because, after all, a girl who wears lipstick and is comfortable with her sexuality MUST be a slut.

Breaking news, I can flirt left and right and still be able to say NO.

That is WHY I NEED FEMINISM. And honestly, I’m perfectly comfortable with being flirty and I am not going to change for your stupid standards. I love myself, I shouldn’t change for a couple of douchebags.

PS. Your tumblr is amazing, keep up the great work!