By Kristin Herman
With the need for intersectionality and diversity in this day and age, it’s important to have people who understand them. Since inspiration can be found virtually anywhere and everything, it makes sense for kinds of people – including feminists and women activists – have taken to Instagram to share their message and spread awareness in their communities.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration on feminism, then check out these 8 Instagram accounts that will inspire and move you.
@rupikaur
First gaining mass popularity in 2015, 24-year-old Rupi Kaur had earned that fame by infamously posting a photo of herself in bed with a period stain visible on her clothing and sheets.
“Instagram’s initial reaction was to remove the photo from the platform,” says Brenda Dickert, a marketing blogger at UK Writings and Revieweal. “However, Kaur fought back by reposting the photo with a statement that derided the platform’s action, as well as her disgust in the misogynist society objectifying women. In short, she called out the platform for allowing men to continue objectifying women, while condemning something as trivial as posting about a small leak from menstruation.”
@feministabulous
A Canadian journalist, feminist, and political activist, Elizabeth Plank uses witty humor and tactics as a way to communicate to people about social issues. But her biggest contribution to feminism thus far is her viral Manspreading video “NYC Subways: Watch What Happens When a Lady ‘Manspreads.’”
@adwoaaboah
Adwoa Aboah is much more than your average feminist. She is also a model who has continued to express her thoughts on battling depression, addiction, and attempted suicide. As a way to get more women to effectively communicate these issues to people, she had founded “Gurl’s Talk” – an online space where girls and women can openly share experiences on mental issues without facing any ridicule.
@audreygelman
Audrey Gelman is another Instagrammer that you should follow for feminist vibes. There are numerous reasons why Audrey Gelman should be on your radar–here is one of them. Former public relations consultant and co-founder of The Wing, Gelman focuses on the working woman, especially those in New York City; and she expresses how a woman’s throne is “away from home,” meaning that women can do exceptionally well in the workforce.
@amandlastenberg
Hunger Games star Amandla Stenberg uses Instagram to promote her social activism, famously rallying against cultural appropriation in 2015, in response to Kylie Jenner’s alleged support for appropriation:
“Appropriation occurs when a style leads to racist generalizations or stereotypes where it originated but is deemed as high-fashion, cool or funny when the privileged take it for themselves.” -Stenberg
Since then, Stenberg has been adamant about social justice, and has participated in feminism organizations like @arthoecollective, while being a youth ambassador for charity organization No Kid Hungry.
@petrafcollins
Toronto photographer Petra Collins works with major publications like ELLE, I-D, and Vogue. Along with this, she has been known for speaking out against gender inequality and hypocrisy. In her 2014 essay for the Huffington Post, “Why Instagram Censored My Body,” she wrote about Instagram removing a photo of her unwaxed in a bikini. Then, in 2015, she penned her first book Babe, which is a collection of photographs taken by female artists around the world. This book served as a testament of women being showcased and considered for women, BY women.
@msladyjustice1
“A criminal justice reform activist, an executive director of The Gathering For Justice, and one of the lead organizers of The Women’s March on Washington, Carmen Perez has gained famed on her Instagram alter ego, @msladyjustice1,” says Demi Sheppard, a business writer at OX Essays and UK Services Reviews. “2014 was when she delivered her first TEDx Talk inside of a prison. In her speech, she focused on the importance of second chances, overcoming adversity, and rehabilitation. And to this day, Perez continues to fight for equality and social change in the current political climate.”
@bodyposipand
Megan Jayne Crabbe doesn’t hold back from posting daring photos of herself on Instagram. From one gorgeous, unedited picture to another, she mixes her content, which ranges from bikini pics, to inspirational quotes, to images that will remind you how unique and beautiful you are.
Start Following!
Each of these people and their accounts share some inspiring, intersectional feminist messages that are important today, perhaps more than ever. I highly recommend giving them a follow and get inspired to smash the patriarchy!
Kristin Herman write and edits at Big Assignments and Write my Australia. She also writes for online magazine and blogs, such as Australian Reviewer. As a tech enthusiast, she blogs about the latest trends in technology. As a project manager, she has overseen writing projects nationwide.
