Sometimes being a woman takes balls
There are so many awesome female celebrity role models out there right now. From the awe-inspiring Michelle Obama (who the world should cherish in these admittedly dark times) to the slightly less clear-cut role models like Kim Kardashian, who take action like advocating for incarcerated women while, in the next breath, promoting harmful, gimmicky weight loss products to young girls. So, I decided to create a list of some of the women who have cool stuff going on that are worthy of your time and attention.
Michelle Visage
Source: https://cdn.extra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/29203410/michelle-2.jpg
I was first exposed to Michelle Visage as a judge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race, though she has a deep history that predates the show: from being a member of the all-girls music group, ‘Seduction’, to being on the reality TV show, Big Brother. While being an active and outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate, she recently joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing at the age of 51, breaking stereotypes and negative ideas surrounding the role of older women in entertainment. Furthermore, she publicly shared her experience around dealing with an auto-immune disease from her breast implants, while leading a campaign to encourage women to educate themselves about the possible risks of implants. She brings attitude and advocacy – what more can you ask for?
Lindsey DeFranco
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/By_lTE3hOv-/
I first discovered Lindsey through her husband, Phillip DeFranco, a Youtuber/news host, though I quickly discovered how great she is in her own right. A mother of two, she previously ran her own YouTube channel where she documented and shared her experience of being a mother. However, she eventually stopped posting on the platform, speaking of needing to prioritise herself and her family over filming. Currently, she continues to post videos via her Instagram stories, speaking of the struggles she encounters in everyday life, from managing anxiety as a mother to sharing her experience of credit card fraud. Her latest project is a campaign named Not So Fast, which focusses on developing material to educate young people on how to engage with information on the internet in a critical fashion. A campaign that needs to be a priority for all, to make the future less of a dumpster fire.
Below is an interview where she talks about her campaign and much more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPnN5hwIg9U
Aisling Bea
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YMxs2gJC_/
This incredible Irish comedian brings not only comedy, but a passion for feminism and breaking the cycle of fast fashion. She regularly showcases her eco-friendly clothes, detailing where she gets them first-hand and sharing how Oxfam, the charity, can help you be environmentally conscious with fashion. Alongside this, Aisling works to raise awareness regarding companies promoting messages of female empowerment without protecting their workforce in developing countries. Furthermore, she became a vocal figure for women’s reproductive rights in Northern Ireland alongside comedian, Sharon Hargrove. So, I’ll be watching her recent projects Living With Yourself and This Way Up; entertainment with a comedian who is bringing more than just good comedy to the table.
Jessica Kellgren-Frozard
Source: http://www2.pictures.livingly.com/mp/k218WuP8MIHx.jpg
Jessica is a beautiful pin-up girl-inspired YouTuber telling the world what they need to understand about being disabled and queer. She does this by sharing her experience of being both in a variety of videos which range from funny to informative and personal. She explains how she has multiple chronic conditions and is experiencing being deaf, showcasing the realities of living with her disabilities in everyday life and healthcare settings. Not only will she educate you, but she will also likely brighten your day. Red lipstick, vintage dresses, and humour are enhancers to the content she brings.
Below is somewhere to start: 10 Disability Misconceptions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwyZvmER57Y
Hannah Witton
Source: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DB8wTQDXkAAdBht.jpg
Youtuber, sex educator and author, Hannah Witton is unquestionably a feminist creator you should know about. She has developed a wide range of content focused around education and awareness about sex and relationships – an area which is often lacking, particularly in the UK. Alongside this, she shares her experience of becoming disabled through requiring a stoma and explores how this has changed her life and perspective regarding sex and disability. One YouTube series she developed to explore her contraceptive journey, ‘The Hormone Diaries’, has created an important space for exploring menstruation in an open, shame-free environment. Two books, a YouTube channel, and a podcast later means there is no shortage of content to engage with, from the more intimate content like ‘Person in Front of Me Decides What Sex Toys I Buy’, to the more practical ‘How I Make My Money Online’. Her open approach to discussing the taboo topics in life is incredibly refreshing while also bringing necessary dialogue in an accessible format. She has something for everyone (quite literally with her content log).
Bonus Points: A collaboration between Jessica and Hannah – two awesome creators for the price of one: Disability vs. The Apocalypse with Jessica Kellgren-Fozard