guuuh

Ok, look. Generally I try and stay away from debates about identity politics since it's such a sensitive issue and it's extremely hard to not enter territory that people take very personally (hello, identity.) I have lots of opinions that I feel strongly about for myself but really I feel like people should have the right to define themselves however they choose. That is their business and no one else's and I do not need your opinion yelled at me, people on the internet.

Having said that.

The thing that is making me upset right at this moment is people who care about identity politics feeling ashamed that their behavior is not in line with their beliefs about their identity. This is a generalization to introduce who I am talking about specifically, namely women who believe in and preach strong self-proclaimed "feminist" (in quotes because I have my own issues with the label and wouldn't volunteer it on my own, not because I'm rolling my eyes when I say it) opinions feeling bad that they enjoy moments of romance and traditionally feminine things.

Enjoying the Royal Wedding does not change who you fundamentally are. You can still believe the same things you did yesterday.

I didn't pay any attention to it myself because I just wasn't interested (I hear there were great hats though) but there is no shame, repeat NO SHAME, in enjoying it. If you are a man or woman who identifies as a feminist, if you are not, these things do not matter.

Mostly I am worked up about people who create beliefs that make them feel good and then can't do things they enjoy or want to do because they feel like they aren't compatible with those beliefs. There are probably many situations in which I would disagree with that statement that I haven't thought of or am not directly talking about right now, but that's where we are right now.

Bottom line, please stop being ashamed of who you are.

But while we're sort of on the subject and because it's been a long day, let me also say that just because you are a straight-presenting gay man and just because we are friends, these things don't give you the right to grab my ass or my tits without my permission. Just sayin.

Soapbox over. Blessings, all.