How I Became a Feminist

I have a really close friend back in elementary that I still kept in contact until now. We talk about the most random of things, and on one of our phone calls (he was studying in London then), we touched on the subject of advocacies. He was so passionate about his love for the environment, his passion to help the children in the country be educated. I was in awe and was struck in silence with how happy he sounded while talking about his advocacy, something he feels very passionate about. He, in turn, asked me, "what's your advocacy?" and I was taken aback. Flustered, I mainly said that I want to help old people (which is not a lie, I do have a soft heart for old people). Then I said to him truthfully, "I actually don't know what my advocacy is.." and he responded with, "well you have to feel passionate over something." And that moment I knew that I have to find what I am passionate about (aside from EXO that is.)

factretriever

Finding Freedom

It wasn't until I started graduate school that I realized what my advocacy is. Funnily enough, my undergraduate thesis is actually about feminism, yet I never fully utilized it and made a very poor thesis paper without any depth and without even understanding what feminism actually is (yes, even after mountains of papers read for citations UGH). Growing up in catholic schools/universities never really helped in feeding my knowledge on such issues, I just don't think they took it seriously enough. I took a class on Gender Studies at University of the Philippines, and it was on my first class that my mind was blown to bits. It was like my professor opened my eyes to a world of so many questions, and of so much enlightenment. I felt like a brand new person.

Small Influences

I was also influenced a lot with the many discussions I read on Twitter, and it just felt like something I should have a say over. I remember having a conversation with Krissy about how I used to think that catcalling is something that I felt flattered over, rather than disgusted by. More than surprised, I was angry at myself that I internalized that I needed the validation of a man (a random man!!!) just so I can feel pretty. I was angry that it took me this long to realize how wrong I was. As time passed by however, I accepted this fact and I decided that instead of being angry at myself, I should be angry at the society who told me to accept that it is the reality. That whenever I feel uncomfortable whenever a truck honks at me, or when a man on the street says "hi miss beautiful", I should either accept it, or worse, they ask me what I did to provoke the man. "Did you wear make-up?" "What were you wearing?". I started questioning why is it always the woman's fault whenever we are put in an uncomfortable situation. Nobody I know could answer me. I started reading more about feminism and learned more about all its forms, and how inclusive feminism is just as toxic as misogynistic views. I started having conversations with people and have an exchange of ideas, which helped me broaden my understanding of it. I am very much far from being an expert in feminism, and this is the reason why I am excited to learn more about it, and at the same time, influence people around me about this too.

I wanted to do something in my power, as much as I can, with my newfound belief. I honestly felt helpless that I couldn't do more, but as some of you guys know, I know someone in a political position, and I have managed to influence her to adapt an ordinance in our province. With much convincing and emotional investment, we have successfully passed into first reading our proposed ordinance for my province's catcalling ordinance. I wanted to separate my real life to my fandom life, but this is something I am very much proud of as it was done with a lot of effort and I wanted to let you all know that one way or another we can do something if we put our hearts into it.

BSU students showed their appreciation to the effort given for the Catcalling Ordinance

I'm not saying everyone should create an ordinance and do this too, what I want to say is we can do our part in making the world a better place. A place where women are given the same opportunities as men, a place where women are respected, a world where I would actually not fear raising a daughter into.

I have no idea where this post went, but I hope it made at least a bit of sense. I will continue to open conversations about feminism, and talk about it to anybody interested. I found out that I simply cannot live in a world where I cannot make a difference, or try to anyway. I will also write about feminist issues on this blog from time to time, maybe a book or movie (BLACK PANTHER!!) recommendation with strong female representation, or something of the likes. I'm excited. Thank you for indulging me.