Dear Feminism,

Why are you considered such a 'dirty' word? You empower me. You show me that I can be whoever I want to be. You stand up for me and make me feel like I can stand up for myself. If we did not have you, where would we be? There would be no women's rights movement. I wouldn't be able to vote, voice my opinions, wear what I want, or do what I want if I didn't have you.

You were created and built up by the women who came before me. The women of color, the disabled women, the LGBTQ+ women, the Muslim, Jewish, and Mexican women. Women of all ages. Women of all religions, races, ethnicities, and colors. Women who speak all different languages and women who like to be naked. Women who are victims of domestic abuse and violence. Women who don't know they're women yet. They are the foundation of you and they are the ones who empower me to be who I am.

You aren't a dirty word, feminism. You are a beautifully intricate word. A garden of flowers, all different shapes, sizes, and colors. You are a platform for me to speak my mind and be heard. You are a microphone for me to voice my opinions through. You are the friend that has told me it is okay to be different and okay to be myself. You are an iron fist for me to battle inequality with.

Feminism, I love you.

Feminism, I need you.