It is an indisputable fact that Beyoncé is the queen of everything (and we are definitely alright with that). While we are convinced that she runs the world all by herself, she manages to take a break from being flawless to remind us that we, too, run the world. From creating multiple girl power anthems to her iconic performance at the 2014 VMAs, Queen Bey is totally one of our feminist idols. In honor of the Queen’s birthday we’ve narrowed down 9 (out of many!) moments where she reminded us that all girls run the world.
1. Telephone music video
Despite Hollywood and the music industry constantly trying to pit female artists against each other, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga proved that two successful women can combine forces to make the best Thelma & Louise-themed, girl power music video ever.
2. Run the World (Girls) music video
As if we all haven’t had a solo jam session in our room to this song (you could tell us that you haven’t, but we probably wouldn’t believe you). Run the World is a girl power anthem if there ever was one and it’s a message that the world should definitely take note of.
3. Giving Taylor Swift her moment at the 2009 VMAs
At the infamous 2009 Video Music Awards, Kanye West stormed the stage to let the world know his opinion on Taylor Swift winning Best Female Video over Beyoncé. After receiving the award for Video of the Year, the ever gracious and classy B called Taylor to the stage saying, “I remember being seventeen years old, up for my first MTV award with Destiny’s Child, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. So I’d like for Taylor to come out and have her moment.”
4. Shutting down haters at President Obama’s 2013 inauguration
Following her performance at the inauguration, many questioned and criticized her use of a pre-recorded track. Instead of letting the haters get her down, she performed the national anthem a cappella in front of a room full of reporters, putting to bed anyone who dared to doubt that Queen B could hold her own.
5. 2013 Super Bowl performance
Remember when there was a football game at a Beyoncé concert? Yeah, we do too. Only this “Grown Woman” could shut down a stadium (literally)!
6. Chime for Change campaign
The Chime for Change organization, founded by Bey and Salma Hayek, focuses on raising funds and awareness on “projects promoting Education, Health and Justice for girls and women.” The global campaign emphasizes the importance of making sure that women’s voices are heard.
7. Ban Bossy campaign
Beyoncé wants to ban the word “bossy” when it comes to how girls and women are labeled and perceived. The campaign lets girls know that it is okay to be ambitious and to strive to be successful.
8. Beyoncé the Riveter
We don’t think that an Instagram picture has ever embodied more female empowerment than Beyoncé posing as early feminist and cultural icon, Rosie the River.
9. Being a feminist at the 2014 VMAs
Not a stranger to dominating the VMAs stage, Beyoncé reminded the world why she reigns supreme and that girls do, indeed, run the world. At the end of her performance, the word “FEMINIST” appeared behind Bey, sparking controversy and conversation. That performance will forever be an iconic moment in the history of female empowerment.
Happy Birthday, Queen Bey!