Am I a Feminist?

Linda Ozello

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1 hour ago

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The answer may surprise you.

Author’s Note:
This essay is not an attack on women, feminism, or people working toward gender justice. It is a critique of language, strategy, and outcomes — particularly when good intentions fail to produce equitable results. Discomfort is not the same as harm, and disagreement is not the same as erasure.

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A Shift in Perspective

Last week, I wrote an article titled “Young Men, Feminism, and the Data We Can’t Ignore.” In it, I explored how many young men feel left behind by progressive conversations — and how that sense of exclusion can widen gaps in understanding rather than close them.

What struck me most while writing, and then reading the responses, was this: good intentions do not always translate into inclusive outcomes. That realization forced me to rethink not only my conclusions, but also the language I use to express my beliefs. It also made me want to be more explicit about what I actually stand for.

The Comments That Changed My Mind

The responses to that piece were thoughtful, challenging, and at times uncomfortable in the best way.