On Saturday, Jan. 21, myself and hundreds of thousands of other women descended upon Washington D.C. to stand in solidarity against the rhetoric, policy proposals, and cabinet picks put forth by Donald Trump. Donning pink pussy hats, signs that unapologetically supported Planned Parenthood, and chants that emboldened even the quietest protester, women of all identities demonstrated what democracy truly looks like. While this was a defining moment of resistance, it was also a performance of white, vagina-centric feminism.
White feminism is a form of feminism that places the focus on the struggles of white women, while not recognizing the forms of oppression faced by women of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and other women lacking distinct privileges. Vagina – centric feminism is identifying womanhood as genital based. These forms of feminism, while empowering in some circles, are inherently exclusive despite well-intentioned practitioners. The rhetoric became exclusionary through the concept of colorblindness and the unconscious erasure of trans women. The Women’s March on Washington lacked the much needed intersectionality that provides the texture and depth to true feminism.
Underrepresented women have been at the forefront of movements that are pushing for the rights of all. They are the backbone and unsung heroes who have carried the burden for decades. Taking to the streets to fight against injustice is not new, and yet it was treated as if it was. Coverage of the Women’s March was widely white, able bodied women. Underrepresented women were slowly being erased from the social justice narrative once again.
Perhaps the most striking outcome of the Women’s March is that there were no arrests associated with the march itself. It was heralded as a peaceful protest and shining example for future demonstrations. This should be a celebrated moment, and rightfully so; however, that does not mean that Black Lives Matter protests are inherently dangerous because of the arrests that occur. It is critical to note ways in which law enforcement engages predominantly white crowds and predominantly black crowds. It is a critical note that whiteness is not perceived as threatening by law enforcement or the media.
The aforementioned critiques of the Women’s March may lead to cases of cynicism and division. That is not the intention. It is to draw attention to an issue that all can participate in alleviating so that everyone is included. It is brilliant and endearing to see women come together and fight to not longer be subjugated. It was powerful and awe-inspiring to partake in history. It was breathtaking to witness such passion. But this cannot end with one singular march, and it cannot continue to be exclusive.
#YesAllWomen must include all sisters, not just cis-sters. It is imperative to #SayHerName and recognize women of color lost to state sanctioned violence. If one is to truly #StandWithHer, then one must stand up and fight every form of injustice. Activism is not a single moment, but a lifetime commitment.