I know many women who refer to themselves as feminists. Â This makes sense, seeing that feminism advocates equal rights for women. Â What about men? Â Can a man call himself a feminist?
I think the question is worth pondering.  I recently read a piece for a class addressing this same concept (Michael Kimmel’s “Real Men Join the Movement).  Michael Kimmel, a specialist in sociology and gender, believes that a man who supports women’s equality should refer to himself as a “pro feminist.”  Why?  He believes that defining oneself as a feminist requires a felt experience of women’s inequality.  Men don’t know what it feels like to be oppressed as a woman.  They can support female equality, but can’t identify with female oppression.
Kimmel is simply showing respect for women’s unique experiences by referring to himself as a “pro feminist.”  Personally, I don’t think I’d be offended if any man shouted out “I’m a feminist!”  I’d be psyched, as I am to see anyone join the movement.
I think that if you want to call yourself a feminist, that’s awesome.  I would love to hear anyone tell me they’re a feminist whether they’re male, female, transgender, or fall into any other category.  Feminism is awesome.  Although I very much respect Kimmel’s opinion, I don’t think it’s my place to tell a man he can’t be a feminist, or for that matter criticize him for saying he’s a pro feminist.  If you support feminism, how you refer to your stance isn’t important to me.  I’m just happy you’re on the bandwagon! Â
What do you think?  Should men who support women’s equality call themselves feminists or pro feminists, or do you have a different solution altogether?  Share!