I am a feminist. I'm a lot of things, actually. I'm a writer, a New Yorker, a fan of way too many TV shows and, yes, a feminist. When I tell this to people, though, I tend to receive mixed responses. Some people agree and identify as feminists. Others immediately connote my beliefs with multiple negative stereotypes.

The truth of the matter is that being a feminist does not identify you as a singular type of person. Contrary to popular belief, feminists are not defined as women that hate men and root for them to fail. Feminists are also not only women that run around burning bras and refusing to shave their legs and armpits. Many stereotypes of feminism are inaccurate and downright outdated and offensive. While there are feminists that fall into many of the stereotypes, not all feminists can be easily spotted based on this criteria.

Let me ask you a simple question. Do you believe that men and women are equal and deserve to be treated that way? If you responded yes, then congratulations. You're a feminist.

I live in one of the most liberal cities in the United States, though I come across many people on a daily basis that still associate feminism with these misconceptions. What's even worse is that I know multiple people that agree with the fundamental beliefs of feminism, though refuse to identity as feminists because they believe the negative stereotypes are true.

I've had conversations with people that have ended in disagreements, only to be told that my "feminist values" have changed me. I've also had friends tell me how they love empowering other women, but then add, "But I'm not a feminist or anything like that." I've also heard on multiple occasions that feminism is simply a trend that is influencing a certain phase in my life. Worst of all, though, is when someone uses the term as an insult. I've gotten into plenty of heated debates that have ended with naive statements such as, "Well you're a feminist, so your opinion is invalid."

Newsflash: Calling someone a feminist isn't an insult. Please stop connoting feminism with antiquated stereotypes and using it as a way to tear someone down. While feminism has come in waves, it is not a phase. If the word "feminism" is still associated with negative depictions for you, please educate yourself.

Let's just get one thing clear. You can still love men and be a feminist. You can still wear bras, shave your legs, wear frilly dresses, aspire to be a mother, wear makeup, and get married. Or you can choose not to do these things. No matter what your personal preferences are for the way you dress, the career you choose, and the life you live, that does not change the fact that you believe in gender equality.

So next time you start a statement with "I'm not a feminist, but...," please stop yourself. If you're saying anything regarding gender equality, you're probably a feminist. Embrace it.