The fight for gender equality has found champions in men across all walks of life, including those from the LGBTQ+ community and people of color. These advocates understand that feminism’s goals benefit society as a whole, and they’re putting in the work to make those goals a reality. Here’s how they’re contributing to the movement.
1. Barack Obama
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In a heartfelt essay for Glamour in 2016, Obama discussed how feminism shapes his presidency and personal life, highlighting the importance of men’s participation in advocating for women’s rights.
2. Justin Trudeau
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By forming Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet in 2015, Trudeau not only talked the feminist talk but also walked the walk, setting a new standard for political representation.
3. Terry Crews
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Crews became an unlikely but powerful voice against sexual harassment within Hollywood, supporting the #MeToo movement and discussing toxic masculinity’s dangers since his public revelation in 2017.
4. John Legend
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Through his #OperationGirl campaign launched in 2013, Legend has been an active supporter of girls’ education and empowerment globally, using his music and platform to raise awareness and funds.
5. Jesse Williams
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Williams’ speech at the 2016 BET Awards was a call to action against the mistreatment of black women, emphasizing the need for respect and equality across gender and racial lines.
6. Ryan Gosling
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Gosling has openly criticized Hollywood’s gender pay gap, advocating for his female co-stars and emphasizing the need for industry-wide change towards equal pay.
7. Patrick Stewart
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Stewart’s advocacy for domestic violence survivors is deeply personal. Working with organizations like Refuge, he’s used his experiences to champion the cause and support survivors.
8. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
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Through various projects, including a video essay in 2014, Gordon-Levitt has explored masculinity and feminism, encouraging men to engage with and support feminist principles.
9. Mark Ruffalo
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Ruffalo has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, using his platform to support women’s autonomy over their bodies and challenging legislation that threatens those rights.
10. Lin-Manuel Miranda
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Miranda uses his influence to support women’s rights and equality, integrating feminist themes into his work and publicly supporting movements that advocate for gender equality.
11. Billy Porter
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An openly gay Black man, Porter uses his visibility to challenge gender norms and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, often speaking on the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality.
12. Kumail Nanjiani
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Nanjiani has used his platform to speak against sexism, particularly within the tech industry, and supports diverse representation in all media forms.
13. Frank Ocean
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Ocean’s music and public persona challenge traditional norms of masculinity and sexuality, making him a powerful figure in both the LGBTQ+ and feminist movements.
14. Taika Waititi
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The filmmaker actively promotes gender equality in the film industry, casting strong female leads and advocating for more female directors and storytellers.
15. Donald Glover
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Glover’s work, particularly in music and television, frequently addresses themes of racial and gender equality, using his art to push for societal change.
16. Anderson Cooper
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Cooper has used his journalism career to highlight issues affecting women and the LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for voices often marginalized.
17. Riz Ahmed
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Ahmed speaks out against the stereotyping of Muslims and advocates for greater representation of women and people of color in the entertainment industry.
18. Jonathan Van Ness
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As an openly gay man and non-binary individual, Van Ness uses their platform to challenge traditional gender norms and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including the rights of transgender individuals. Their outspoken support for the feminist movement underscores the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality within the fight for gender equality.
Keep the Conversation Going
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These men and allies are proof that feminism isn’t a battle to be fought by women aloneāit’s a universal call to action for equality, respect, and justice. Their contributions remind us that when we work together, regardless of gender, we can make significant strides towards a more inclusive world.
The post 18 Men Leading the Charge for Feminism first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Evan El-Amin.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.