The fight for gender equality has found champions in men across all walks of life, including those from the LGBTQ+ community and people of color. These advocates understand that feminism’s goals benefit society as a whole, and they’re putting in the work to make those goals a reality. Here’s how they’re contributing to the movement.
1. Barack Obama
In a heartfelt essay for Glamour in 2016, Obama discussed how feminism shapes his presidency and personal life, highlighting the importance of men’s participation in advocating for women’s rights.
2. Justin Trudeau
By forming Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet in 2015, Trudeau not only talked the feminist talk but also walked the walk, setting a new standard for political representation.
3. Terry Crews
Crews became an unlikely but powerful voice against sexual harassment within Hollywood, supporting the #MeToo movement and discussing toxic masculinity’s dangers since his public revelation in 2017.
4. John Legend
Through his #OperationGirl campaign launched in 2013, Legend has been an active supporter of girls’ education and empowerment globally, using his music and platform to raise awareness and funds.
5. Jesse Williams
Williams’ speech at the 2016 BET Awards was a call to action against the mistreatment of black women, emphasizing the need for respect and equality across gender and racial lines.
6. Ryan Gosling
Gosling has openly criticized Hollywood’s gender pay gap, advocating for his female co-stars and emphasizing the need for industry-wide change towards equal pay.
7. Patrick Stewart
Stewart’s advocacy for domestic violence survivors is deeply personal. Working with organizations like Refuge, he’s used his experiences to champion the cause and support survivors.
8. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Through various projects, including a video essay in 2014, Gordon-Levitt has explored masculinity and feminism, encouraging men to engage with and support feminist principles.
9. Mark Ruffalo
Ruffalo has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, using his platform to support women’s autonomy over their bodies and challenging legislation that threatens those rights.
10. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Miranda uses his influence to support women’s rights and equality, integrating feminist themes into his work and publicly supporting movements that advocate for gender equality.
11. Billy Porter
An openly gay Black man, Porter uses his visibility to challenge gender norms and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, often speaking on the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality.
12. Kumail Nanjiani
Nanjiani has used his platform to speak against sexism, particularly within the tech industry, and supports diverse representation in all media forms.
13. Frank Ocean
Ocean’s music and public persona challenge traditional norms of masculinity and sexuality, making him a powerful figure in both the LGBTQ+ and feminist movements.
14. Taika Waititi
The filmmaker actively promotes gender equality in the film industry, casting strong female leads and advocating for more female directors and storytellers.
15. Donald Glover
Glover’s work, particularly in music and television, frequently addresses themes of racial and gender equality, using his art to push for societal change.
16. Anderson Cooper
Cooper has used his journalism career to highlight issues affecting women and the LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for voices often marginalized.
17. Riz Ahmed
Ahmed speaks out against the stereotyping of Muslims and advocates for greater representation of women and people of color in the entertainment industry.
18. Jonathan Van Ness
As an openly gay man and non-binary individual, Van Ness uses their platform to challenge traditional gender norms and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including the rights of transgender individuals. Their outspoken support for the feminist movement underscores the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality within the fight for gender equality.
Keep the Conversation Going
These men and allies are proof that feminism isn’t a battle to be fought by women alone—it’s a universal call to action for equality, respect, and justice. Their contributions remind us that when we work together, regardless of gender, we can make significant strides towards a more inclusive world.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Featureflash Photo Agency.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.