This is to each and every person who criticized my generation of feminism for the March on Washington.
Don't worry, we hear you. We see you sulking on the internet, or here you while we do our grocery shopping. We here the names you call us, and the things you say about it. And here is what I have to say to all of your criticism.
Wanting control of our bodies is not the same as killing babies. Wanting the right to take birth control or have my tubes tied without my parents, or my non-existent husbands consent should not be treated as a crime.
Embracing sexuality and reversing the taboo of it should not be treated as outlandish. Giving women access to testing for STDs and breast cancer, and access and education on birth control.
And do you know what other women marched through Washington D.C., demanding they get their way and their rights? What other group of women fought and clawed for their rights? The Suffragettes. And you know what? If I have to sit in prison and endure torture and go on hunger strikes, so be it. They fought for my right to vote, I will fight for my right to control my body.
And let's be clear- I do not mean "feminism" as in hating men. I do not hate men. I am quite fond of men, actually. And I do not mean the racist, or the transphobic "feminists".
Feminism is not any of that, feminism is equity. It is not "better than", it is equal to. So yes, I am a feminist. And yes, I mean that.
And no, I will not stand to have you tell me to sit down and be quiet. The women before me did not fight so that I could sit by in silence while men tell me what I can or cannot do with my body. THe women who fought before me would not want this, and neither do I.
Today, it's our turn to be the movement they teach our grandchildren in History class. It is our turn to be the women that someday little girls can look up to and say "I want to be like her". Today, it is our turn to make the difference.
