Femimisn

Roxanne Gay identifies as a Bad Feminist because she feels that this is the only way she can be a part of the feminist movement and also be herself. Gay does not believe it is possible for feminism to fulfill the needs of all women and acknowledges that there are problems with the mainstream movement. Because she does not always feel she fits into that mainstream movement, and because she doesn't want to reject the importance and need for feminism altogether, Gay settles on the label of "bad feminist."

Gay rejects the idea of what she calls essential feminism. In her words, essential feminism "suggests anger, humorlessness, militancy, unwavering principles, and a prescribed set of rules for how to be a proper feminist woman" (304). Gay believes that the feminist movement has been damaged by these perceptions. She feels that the movement isn't inclusive enough and neglects the experience...