An excerpt Rachel wrote in UNIDAS...
Circa January 20th, 2105
In recent years the concept of feminism has become nebulous and unclear as it has struggled against the negative stigmas of popular media and culture. For those with unclear definitions, the very mention of the word elicits feelings of discomfort and even, in the most severe cases, disdain. Feminism is not man-hating. It is not unreasonable. It is the belief that men and women, regardless of the gender identity or sexual orientation, deserve equality. For years, I have understood this base concept, but only recently have I come to understand that feminism is neither nebulous nor unclear. I believed, like so many others, that all feminists were fierce, disdainful women who despised men, and I was reluctant to count myself amongst their ranks. Then, I was asked to define feminism, to give a concrete meaning to a word that is interpreted in so many different ways, and I realized that the things I considered essential to the word aligned with so many of my beliefs about equality. I decided, in that moment, that the word feminism is not discomfiting. It is inspiring, and it’s not for women who hate men, but rather people who love equality, the same kind of people who have encouraged and influenced me my entire life. Thanks to these women, these feminists, I have never been afraid to pursue my dreams, never felt limited by my gender. My aspirations to pursue a degree in science have been met by encouragement and enthusiasm on all sides- from my mother who challenged gender expectations to become a doctor, from my aunt who believes I am bright and capable, and from my teachers who have never expected less of me because I was born a girl. My passion for horseback riding has been met with similar support. I was never told that riding a sometimes capricious animal over jumps was too difficult or too dangerous for a delicate female. When, in 9th grade, I expressed an interest in learning self-defense I was supported, not limited. My friend and I were the only girls in the class, but our classmates and our Sensei greeted us with open arms, pleased to welcome girls into their midst. Not once did they treat us as though we were any less capable than out male counterparts. These are but a few examples of the encouragement I have received from those who believe that all people, regardless of gender, ought to be equal in all ways. I have only recently accepted the word, but I have been influenced my entire life by feminisms and feminists who always believed that I am capable of anything and everything.
Rachel Gloudemans