Kim Kardashian Writes a Feminist Essay About Why She Isn't a Feminist
"I'll always fight for women's rights. Always."


When Kim Kardashian gave the keynote speech at the BlogHer 16 conference earlier this month and proclaimed that she did not consider herself a feminist, she sparked a conversation on what it means to be a feminist today. On one side of the debate were those arguing that her celebration of her body, her curves, and her nude selfies clearly make her a champion for women's progress (whether she sees it that way or not). Others, of course, believe that her fixation on her body reinforces the female objectification that women have fought to dismantle for centuries.
On Monday, Kim herself took to her app to share a long post about why she doesn't consider herself a feminist.
She starts out by showing that she has a clear grasp of what feminism means:
"For me, feminist is someone who advocates for the civil and social rights and liberties of all people, regardless of their gender; anyone who believes that women should have the same choices and opportunities as men when it comes to education and employment, their bodies and their lifestyles."
Okay, yeah, looking good so far. She admits that she wants all of these things and is "all about empowering and uplifting women," and that as a result, she can see why people would view her as a feminist.
"I work hard, I make my own money, I'm comfortable and confident in my own skin, and I encourage women to be open and honest about their sexuality, and to embrace their beauty and their bodies."
Okay, those are all valid points. So, like, what's the issue here?
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Apparently, the problem is that she doesn't want to "put labels on things."
"You're Republican, you're Democrat, you're bisexual, you're plus-size, you're poor, you're a criminal, you're a mother, you're a feminist. I'm a human being, and I have thoughts, feelings and opinions about a lot of different things. I don't need to be defined by those beliefs, just as much as I don't want to be set apart from—or viewed as being against—those who DO define themselves by those beliefs."
We hear what you're saying Kim. People's opinions are complicated and there's no quick route to getting to know the complexities of how someone feels about multifaceted issues like feminism.
"I feel that being grouped or labeled can create separation between people who do (or don't) fall into certain categories, when they may actually share many of the same beliefs and goals."
But, Kim, some of those things are beliefs (Republican, Democrat, feminist), and others are not (plus-size, poor, criminal, mother) so we can't really just lump it all together. And while it's absolutely true that we need to listen to each other rather than just throwing labels around, it's also true that it's important to align ourselves with certain movements as we try to make the world a better place.
Kim may not be ready to call herself a feminist, but we think—by definition—she most certainly is.
"The fight for equality is about ALL human beings being treated equally—regardless of gender, sexuality or ethnicity...I'll always fight for women's rights. Always."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
My writing has regularly appeared in The New York Times, The Paris Review, Salon, VICE, Guernica, The New York Observer, BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and many more publications. I was previously the Senior News Editor at Best Life Online and the Viral Content Editor in the Newsroom of Hearst Digital Media. My portfolio consists of a vast and diverse body of work that includes personal essays, lifestyle articles, breaking news posts, and viral content. My areas of expertise, however, are Russia, sex and relationships, and mental wellness.
-
Dua Lipa Swaps Her Valentino Dress for a Marni Mini Skirt
The singer accessorized her outfits with more than $120,000 of jewelry.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When William Received "Special Treatment"
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kris Jenner Is Still Making Fun of Kim Kardashian for Her 72-Day Marriage
It's been 14 years!
By Lia Beck Published
-
Kim Kardashian and Ex-Boyfriend Pete Davidson Finally Reconnected at 'SNL50'
The pair were "spotted talking" at an after-party.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kim Kardashian Recreated Her Iconic "Breaks the Internet\201d Picture at the Skims Christmas Party
It's been 10 years since the original picture from Kardashian's viral Paper magazine cover.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Kim Kardashian Got the New Tesla Robot Before Anyone Else and Showed Off Its Dance Moves
"meet my new friend."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kim Kardashian Says She's "Basically Raising 4 Kids by Myself" After Kanye West Divorce
It's not been easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kim Kardashian Shares Heartbreakingly Relatable Message About Motherhood
Many parents will nod along to this one.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
For Halloween 2024, Celebrities Channeled Movie Stars, Superheroes, and... Albino Alligators?!
From 'Legally Blonde' to 'Striptease' and 'Toy Story,' nothing was off the table.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kourtney Kardashian Hilariously Hits Back at Fan Who Asked Why She Looks Like North West
It's a mystery!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published