“I have come to believe that we claim ourselves whenever women gather to talk about our lives, share resources, and make merry. We create a culture we were never intended to have. Marilyn French said, ‘Pleasure enlarges the spirit and—like power—it is contagious.'” – Kay Leigh Hagan, Fugitive Information

In November, Gloria Steinem visited Berea, Kentucky, to boost the visibility of the Bell Hooks Institute and offer her support. Despite being exhausted from days of travel, she made the journey. Why? Because she has always been an unwavering advocate for feminist politics. She came as a longtime friend.

A Friendship Rooted in Feminism

Being about twenty years younger than Gloria, I vividly remember our early conversations, especially when my country-girl self moved from a small town in Ohio to New York City. Gloria’s generosity was boundless as she helped ease my transition from country life to the hustle of the city. Her willingness to engage in intense, heartfelt conversations was unending, and to this day, we are still talking and occasionally disagreeing.

Cross-Generational Feminist Solidarity

These memories resurfaced when I traveled to New York to meet Emma Watson. Now, I am more than twenty years older than Emma, yet our age difference didn’t stand in the way of forging feminist solidarity, mutual respect, and—dare I say it—love. My friendship with Gloria taught me that differences in feminist thinking don’t have to be obstacles; they can be a gateway to deeper understanding and connection. Gloria and I have never always agreed on feminist theory and politics, but that has never hindered our bond.

Embracing Differences in Feminist Thought

Talking with Emma revealed the myriad ways we approach feminism from different perspectives. Yet, what stood out was how our differences were overshadowed by a passionate desire to listen and learn from one another. Emma’s genuine curiosity about feminist identity brought back memories of my early years in theory-making when I sought to shift feminist discourse away from rigid notions of identity.

Feminism Beyond Identity: A Call for Political Action

In those early years, I resisted the declaration, “I am a feminist,” because I believed it reduced the movement to a mere lifestyle choice. I wanted people—women and men alike—to focus on feminist politics. I encouraged us to say, “I advocate feminist politics.” Back then, it seemed that simply identifying as a feminist led to assumptions, especially among those who had never studied or engaged deeply with the issues.

Challenging Assumptions About Feminism

When I boldly proclaimed that I advocated for feminist politics, people were likelier to ask, “What do you mean by that?” Their curiosity allowed me to challenge misconceptions about feminism being merely about women versus men. I could then share the simple yet profound definition of feminism that continues to guide me: “Feminism is a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression.” At its core, feminist politics is about challenging and dismantling patriarchy.

Patriarchy Knows No Gender

One of my favorite Bell Hooks declarations remains: “Patriarchy knows no gender.” This statement underscores the pervasive nature of patriarchy and its impact on all genders. During my conversation with Emma, I hoped to convey that feminism is not a lifestyle or identity; it’s a political choice. I wanted to encourage her—and others involved in the movement—to work together to teach that feminism is about action, change, and political commitment, not merely self-identification.

Feminism as a Political Commitment

Through our discussions, I hoped to inspire Emma and our allies to recognize that feminism is a political choice, not a personal label. It’s about working collectively to dismantle oppressive systems and challenge the structures that perpetuate sexism and gender-based exploitation. In doing so, we can continue Bell Hooks’ legacy and ensure that feminism remains a force for political transformation rather than a static identity or lifestyle.