These male stars prove that men can be feminists too
While feminism has been prevalent in society for quite some time, Queen B(eyonce) made it trendy in Hollywood with her VMA performance. She used the definition spoken by Nigerian author and activist Chimamanda Ngozi in an April TEDx talk:
"Feminist: A person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes."
From preparing for our first female president to female celebs demanding equal pay to Emma Watson's #HeforShe campaign, feminism has taken over the realm of pop culture.
Female celebrities such as Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Emma Watson, Patricia Arquette, Lena Dunham, Taylor Swift, and Emma Stone have given feminism a new global prominence. However, it's important to remember that feminism is not limited to women.
These male celebrities want to see women and men have equal opportunities.
1. John Legend
From his 'You & I (Nobody In The World)' video to his utilizing social media to advocate for gender equality, Legend is proud of his feminist status.
During a concert in 2013, he even told the crowd: "All men should be feminists. If men care about women's rights the world will be a better place."
POF's #mcm is John Legend! He says, "All men should be feminists." http://t.co/N38H8HLERh#feminism#feministpic.twitter.com/oF6QMwXoPl
- Feminist Portraits (@feminist_photos) January 26, 2015
2. Harry Styles
Following Emma Watson's speech about feminism at the United Nations Headquarters, Styles took part in her 'HeforShe' campaign.
The campaign encourages men to stand up for women's rights. Styles tweeted a picture of himself showing his support for the campaign.
I'm supporting @UN_Women and @EmWatson in #HeForShe As should you.. pic.twitter.com/RYtM4SKkqN
- Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) September 25, 2014
3. Seth Meyers
Meyers, who is married to human rights lawyer Alexi Ashe, wouldn't want to 'wear the pants' alone in his relationships. He values strong women in the workplace and at home.
In a 2012 interview with Elle Magazine, Meyers said, "When you work with the sort of really strong women that I work with, the idea that anyone would want to make decisions for them is hard to wrap your head around."
Our #MCM goes out to Seth Meyers because he respects the strong women in his life. #cwgusu#feminismpic.twitter.com/8oFcxjf5LU
- Women and Gender USU (@cwgusu) April 20, 2015
4. Ryan Gosling
It seems that Gosling loves women as much as women love him. He once said in an interview, "I'm attracted to films that have strong female characters because there are strong female characters in my life."
Gosling is also known for standing up against misogyny and patriarchy-dominant portrayals of relationships in films. You go Ryan Gosling.
Can Feminist Ryan Gosling Really Make Men More Feminist? What do you think about prominent male feminists? http://t.co/AttVGSWuen#oscars
- NOW-NYC (@NOW_NYC) February 22, 2015
5. Ian Somerhalder
Somerhalder spoke on behalf of the UK Women's Aid 'Real Man' Campaign against domestic violence. While being against domestic violence does not necessarily deem someone a feminist, Somerhalder made it clear that women deserve the same respect men do when he said:
"I wanted to take part in this campaign because it's so easy to forget that many women live their lives in fear because of domestic violence. Men have an important role to play in sending out the message that real men do not hurt or abuse their partners."
Somerhalder emphasized the importance of men standing up for women's rights. Women cannot win the battle for gender equality without the support of all genders.
One of our favorite interviews! #Powerful@iansomerhalder Explains How The World Is Failing Women http://t.co/F5tpGv3SFu#GITW#ISF
- ISF Paw Support SA (@ISF_PawSA) March 5, 2015
6. Steve Carell
Carell, nominated for Best Actor for his role in Foxcatcher, wore 'HeforShe' cufflinks designed by Emma Watson to the 2015 Oscars.
Carell made a wordless statement on behalf of feminism observed by millions of people that night.
Emma Watson sent Steve Carell the sweetest message about his #HeForShe support at the Oscars http://t.co/D4pD2dWDh2pic.twitter.com/VD1Eks8jMF
- Cosmopolitan UK (@CosmopolitanUK) February 24, 2015
7. Ashton Kutcher
Like we need another reason to fall in love with Ashton. Now that he's a dad to adorable daughter Wyatt Isabelle, he's speaking out for parental equality: men's bathrooms need changing tables!
On Facebook, he posted this message that earned hundreds of thousands of 'likes' and shares: "There are NEVER diaper changing stations in mens public restrooms. The first public men's room that I go into that has one gets a free shout out on my FB page! #BeTheChange"
Ashton Kutcher calls for diaper-changing stations in Men's restrooms. Yess. 100% for it. #NoMoreDoubleStandards#womenempowerment#feminism
- AFRICAN PRINCESSღ (@soniboo24) March 10, 2015
8. Donald McPherson
In an op-ed piece for CNN, the former NFL player spoke out on behalf of gender equality and respect. He wrote, "We all have grandmothers, mothers, sisters, daughters and female friends and colleagues. Our lives are inextricably interwoven; women's issues of safety and equality directly affect our lives as men. Beyond that, women are humans, with the same rights to safety and freedom as men."
He also spoke out against women's violence and its male bystanders when he wrote, "It is therefore our moral responsibility to not remain silent or passively on the sidelines, but to be actively engaged in confronting this problem in every corner of homes, communities, and societies."
Just read Donald McPherson's stance on feminism and am sincerely impressed. #MenNeedToCareToo#EqualityIsAHumanRight
- Sammi Weiss (@followingrule16) February 13, 2015
See the faces of male feminists in Hollywood by clicking through this gallery:
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