
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called a slut. From the time I was a young girl—even before I was sexually active—it was a label that was placed on me. As soon as I came into the public eye, I was immediately criticized for everything from my behavior to how I chose to dress. It was undoubtedly hurtful, and getting used to the harsh words I hear so often is still something I struggle with. The term “slut” never seemed to go away—in fact, I began to realize that I’d be called a slut whether I behaved according to other people's standards or not. So, I decided to take the power out of that word and reclaim it. I said f*ck it, hoe is life. But don’t get me wrong—this self-proclaimed hoe is a powerful woman and an unapologetic feminist.
I have a real problem with anyone who denies the need for feminism given today’s tense political climate. Somehow in 2017, we’ve elected a president who has no problem labeling women (opens in new tab) as “fat pigs” and “dogs.” The literal leader of this nation says it’s okay to grab women by the pussy if you're a man with power and influence. It’s as if he’s completely unaware of the very real risk of sexual assault women in America deal with each day. One in four American women are or will become victims of sexual assault (opens in new tab). It’s simply ridiculous to deny that these statistics need to change.
"I can absolutely call myself a feminist and post a picture of my naked body."
One of the most popular criticisms of feminism is that, if women have made significant strides towards equality in years past, why can’t we just accept these advances and stop complaining? But this is just another attempt to silence women who speak out in the face of injustice. And how does society silence women? The same way it always has—through calling feminists crazy, belittling our claims, and praying every night that we’ll eventually shut up. Well, I refuse to shut up so long as it is still my legal right to speak. And using my platform to create a safe space for not just women, but all marginalized groups to exercise their freedom of speech, has been one of my greatest accomplishments.
I’ve gotten a lot of backlash from people who feel I can’t be taken seriously as an activist and feminist because the world has seen me with my clothes off. I think that’s a bunch of bullshit. I can absolutely call myself a feminist and post a picture of my naked body. In fact, as an intersectional feminist, I advocate for women from all walks of life and think that all women should be allowed to do whatever they want with their bodies.
#amberroseslutwalk https://t.co/F0U7TspSN4 pic.twitter.com/GTYySANBMvJune 10, 2017
I also get a lot of media who ask me to comment on “my brand” of feminism, as if my goals differ so much from other popular feminists. I have to disagree with that take—I think separating women and categorizing brands of feminism takes away the power of solidarity—and solidarity is the biggest vehicle for change. My definition of feminism is simple: EQUALITY. It’s not having to base your entire existence around the old school, ultra-oppressive expectations men have for women.
All the men who claimed my nearly-nude nude Instagram picture wasn't empowering, and was instead just an attempt to seek attention, are likely the same men who claim victims of sexual assault are “asking for it” by wearing an outfit considered to be inappropriate. This oppressive way of thinking and victim-blaming is exactly what makes events like SlutWalk so necessary. This country loves to objectify female bodies—hell, our president loves to objectify female bodies!—but when a woman takes that power away and exposes herself, everyone freaks the f*ck out. Yes, we’ve made some progress in the past 100 years, but we're still living in a time where people think it’s impossible to embrace female sexuality and shun sexual violence towards women at the same time. I’m here to tell you that it’s not only possible, but necessary.
Amber Rose's third annual SlutWalk is taking place October 1 in Los Angeles. Find out more here (opens in new tab), and head to The Amber Rose Foundation (opens in new tab) to learn more about Amber's work in feminism and women's rights.
-
The 37 Best Movies on Netflix
Of the hundreds of movies streaming on Netflix, these are the best of the best.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
What are ETFs?
And why are "elder Millennials" pouring a record amount of money into exchange-traded funds? Read on to learn whether investing in ETFs is right for your wealth-building goals.
By Elana Lyn Gross
-
Imperfections Were the Inspiration for The Real Real’s Fourth Original ReCollection
The 90-piece collection gives new life to unwanted pieces.
By Sara Holzman
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein