Zoe Nicholson's Interview with Feminists for Choice
Originally published at Feminists for Choice, July 26, 2010.
Feminist Veteran Zoe Nicholson Explains Why Feminism Is Still Relevant
When did you first call yourself a feminist, and what helped influence that decision?
I have always been a feminist. The question is asked often these days, and I find it so peculiar. Would you ask a person of color if they believed in equality? Would you ask a trans person if they believe in LGBTQAI Civil Rights? I would rather ask why one would not want to be a feminist. I can think of only one legitimate reason, and it is because they are really stretching the boundaries of US thinking to drop all labels and make that their mission. (gender fluid!)
Did I ever think women or men were innately unequal? Never. Nor people of different races, ages or classes. Certainly my deeply devotional childhood influenced me. I look at the books I read, the saints I admired, and they were all people who worked with making life better; Mother Seton, Vincent DePaul, Catherine Laboure, even St. Nicholas and St. Valentine worked with the oppressed, the poor. It just seemed like the obvious choice. When I got older and found out that the word and meaning of Christian had been entirely co-opted, I converted to Buddhism. Funny thing is, it makes more sense to me to think of John XXIII, Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem as all practitioners of Buddhism. They are all invested in Self-Discovery. (I digress)
What does feminism mean to you?
To me a feminist is a person who believes and behaves as if men and women are equal; equal under the law, and with full equal opportunity. What distinguishes my answer, I believe, is that it carries within it that the behavior is immediate; it does not wait for the laws to catch up. So, even though there is no Fair Paycheck Act, I would pay my employees equal pay for equal work, offer equal benefits and operate with no discrimination due to sex. In other words, as if there was an Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.
You might find it interesting that about two years ago I changed my card from “Feminist” to “Equality Activist.” Because, who ya gonna leave behind? If I am going to be the change I see in the world, then I have to start with me. Since I am bi – I really get to speak to so many facets of equality. I was married to a man, had an abortion, fell in love with a woman, discovered I am bi. I am horrified at the terrible river of transphobia that ran through the feminism of the Twentieth Century. I am very motivated to expose it and get rid of it. Recently I was asked if I am a trans woman, and it really roared through me that somehow my answer was going to grant or deny some privilege. I refused to answer.
For the complete interview, click here (there’s a flattering shout-out to me at the end of the interview. Blush).
I agree, that a feminist is someone who believes and fights for equal rights as men. Until now, I didn’t consider myself a feminist, due to the fact that I did not really know what it is, and the stereotypes that came with it. Nicholson is right, why wouldn’t someone not want to be a feminist? Everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities, and it is extremely unfair if someone gets promoted or gets a raise due to their sex rather than their work ethic and hard work.
Comment by maxine — September 6, 2010 @ 12:45 pm
I think it’s interesting how Nicholson brings the topic of religion into discussion. Converting from Christianity to Buddhism because she realized that the meaning of christian was co-opted. At the same time, I’m sure that there are many feminists out there who are Christian and feminist. Does that mean that all feminists who are Christians should convert to Buddhism? I don’t think she clearly explains herself there. And in continents such as Asia where Buddhism has maintained for centuries, we still see inequality especially between men and women in the workforce and household much more than the United States that is mostly consisted of Christians.
Comment by Joanne — September 6, 2010 @ 7:20 pm
I think that Zoe Nicholson makes very valid points. I never thought about feminism in the way that she looks at it. Having equal rights for men and women is the same as equal rights for different races, ages, and classes. If everyone looks at feminism in this manner, with this idea, then I think that everyone would be a feminist. It would by extremely hyporitically if someone that is black who fights for equal rights does not fight for the same equal rights for women. They would be fighting for the exact same thing. This being said, I AM A FEMINIST!
Comment by Joshua. S — September 6, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
I agree with the previous comment; feminism issues are very similar to as of homosexuals. If we were all created equally and should be treated equally, so there should not be any exception. I believe that the idea of feminism has a lot in common with humanism and/or sexism. Also, women who are already being privileged of equal rights are less likely to be willing to fight for feminism, which is not good, because they are being focused mostly by the mass media.
Comment by Nima Ghalehsari — September 6, 2010 @ 8:22 pm
@Joanne: No, in no way does Zoe imply that feminists should be or need to be Buddhists. She is simply referring to her personal recognition of the inherent patriarchy in Christianity, an issue that many feminist began to deconstruct in the 70s- an era when feminist spirituality emerged. But there are plenty of active Christian feminists who recognize the sexism in the religion but work to expose it within their religion. I hope that makes sense.
Comment by Melanie — September 6, 2010 @ 8:42 pm
I totally agree with Zoe Nicholson a feminist is a person who believes and behaves as if men and women are equal; equalunder the law, and with full equal opportunity. Who would want to live in a world where men and women are not equal? I know I wouldnt. I wouldnt have considered my self a feminist before learning more and more about it. I have opened my eyes to a new world of opportunites to learn and teach my peers about feminism.
Comment by Delyla M. — September 7, 2010 @ 12:20 am
I agree with Zoe Nicholson and her idea of feminism. Before taking this class I would not have considered myself a feminist because I was under the belief that feminists were looking for female rights ONLY. After taking Women Studies 10 with Professor Klein, I have learned the real meaning of feminism as Zoe states here. She talks about equality for both men and women no matter what race, age, gender, or your SES (social economic status). I really enjoyed reading this and hope many others understand the true meaning of feminism as well!
Comment by Ariel Kasheri (wmst10scholars) — November 30, 2010 @ 10:14 am
Although before I took Women Studies I did not think I associated with the Femenist movement, because I ignorantly did not know what it really stood for. But I agree with Zoe Nicholson and her idea of feminism. When Nicholson defines a feminist as a person who believes and behaves as if men and women are equal; equal under the law, and with full equal opportunity, this really caught my attention. The more I understand the true meaning of Feminism the more I believe I do fit into this category of a Femenist, because who would not live and fight for the rights of all women, lesbians, bisexuals, and men.
Comment by Sumer Marquette — February 21, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
After reading this article I can say that I do have a better understanding about what feminism is and what it stands for. I strongly agree with her definition of feminism because I think men and women should be treated equal under the law and in opportunities. I found it really interesting how she mentions that she changed her title to being a “Equality Activist”, she brings up a good point that we should leave no one behind in the movement!
Comment by Amanda A. — September 3, 2011 @ 3:53 pm
I completely agree with Zoe Nicholson. Her view on the way that people approach the idea of feminism is very similar to mine, in that, it’s more about equality for all types of people and situations, rather than just a generalization of women and men. The fact that she treats her employees with equality and such a neutral setting, as if it was a law to do so, really raises my respect for her to another level, showing her true and pure belief of equality. I appreciate that.
Comment by Natalie Hoorfar — September 4, 2011 @ 11:14 am
I found it interesting that Nicholson includes the male gender in her definition of feminism, mostly because I always thought that men have always been the superior gender and had no need to fight for any sort of equal treatment, and therefore should not be included in the definition. But it seems that excluding males from the definition would only contradict what the feminist movement is trying to accomplish. I also love how Nicholson touches on the topic of sexuality, since it seems such a taboo subject to even mention now a days.
Comment by Alexandra A. — September 5, 2011 @ 11:48 pm
I found it interesting that Nicholson includes the male gender in her definition of feminism, mostly because I always thought that men have always been the superior gender and had no need to fight for any sort of equal treatment, and therefore should not be included in the definition. But it seems that excluding males from the definition would only contradict what the feminist movement is trying to accomplish. I also love how Nicholson touches on the topic of sexuality, since it seems such a taboo subject to even mention now a days.
Comment by Alexandra A. — September 5, 2011 @ 11:48 pm
I have never looked at feminism like how Zoe explained, “feminist is a person who believes and behaves as if men and women are equal; equal under the law, and with full equal opportunity.”I have always figured it was women who march, riot, and make huge scences to get the eqaulity they wanted. To know that it was simply their way of thinking makes so much more sense. The fact that Zoe turned Bi and got an abortion doesn’t change who she is and what she believes in. I work in a sexist resturant and hearing that Zoe treats her workers equally gives me hope that one day ill be evaluated on my hardwork rather then my sex. I enjoyed this interview.
Comment by rayleen lopez gws300 — September 14, 2011 @ 3:26 pm
Wow! Reading these articles has shed new light to what it means to be a “feminist”. She speaks from the heart and with such passion. Many of the things she speaks about I have questioned myself and completely understand her frustration. I am looking forward to meet Zoe and listen to what she has to say about her views and experiences.
Comment by gloria rodriguez — September 15, 2011 @ 9:15 pm
Zoe Nicholson provided the perfect representation of the feminist movement with her wise words! I like how she says,”I would rather ask why one would not want to be a feminist.” She is completely right, I mean who wouldn’t want gender equality to exist??
The part that stood out to me the most was her statement,”If I am going to be the change I see in the world, then I have to start with me.” This shows us that we need to be strong enough to fight for what we believe in and eventually others will stand up for it too! Hopefully I’ll be able to read more from Zoe, as this interview was very enjoyable and informative!
Comment by Rosemary A — January 4, 2012 @ 12:34 pm
I agree, single-issue-minded people tend to get to me. You can’t simply call yourself a feminist and ignore the oppression of another marginalized group–like LGBT groups, people of color, etc. While I still would identify myself as a feminist, I would agree that I’m an equality activist as well and respect that change because it makes sense–especially if you are part of more than one marginalized group as Nicholson expresses since she is both a womyn and bisexual.
Comment by Breanna K — January 4, 2012 @ 3:44 pm
I am definitely on Zoe Nicholson side. If women want equal rights, they should also be for the other groups such as homosexuality that don’t have equal rights. It does not matter what gender or color you are, everyone deserves equal rights. I admire how she started off as a feminist and realized that not only is she a feminist but also a supporter of equal rights in general.
Comment by Juliana C. — January 9, 2012 @ 11:53 pm
Zoë Nicholson’s views are thought provoking and delighting. I found it interesting when she asked, “I would rather ask why one would not want to be a feminist”. Feminism is a positive ideology, which many avoid due to the negative stigmas and stereotypes that are attached to it. Many people don’t even know the true definition of the term yet, choose not be a feminist because they fear others’ reactions. I like how she changed her personal title from “feminist” to “Equality Activist” because equality is one of the main goals in feminism. The message behind her new title supports her attempt to make a change in the world. She has very admirable ambitions and serves as a positive role model for young feminists.
Comment by Sandy A — January 14, 2012 @ 12:21 pm
I agree with this article and I don’t know much about “feminism” mean is but after I read this I knew about new ideas. Also I really agree with this common that “feminist is a person who believes and behaves as if men and women are equal; equal under the law and with full equal opportunity” I am trust that men and women having equal rights with different gender or race. Through this reading, I was more open mind about feminism/feminist
Eun Hee Chung- Women’s studies 10
Comment by Eun Hee Chung — January 17, 2012 @ 10:15 pm
When I became 18 year-old, I got a job and I was discriminated in the company. Even though other man and I had same work-ability, I had to make coffee for a long time. Therefore, I totally agree with your opinion ‘I would pay my employees equal pay for equal work, offer equal benefits and operate with no discrimination due to sex.’ And it was really impressive to me you changed your card from feminist to equality activist. You are a example in unequal society.
- Youjung An, Women’s Studies 10
Comment by Youjung An — January 17, 2012 @ 10:44 pm
I believe it shouldn’t be called just “Feminist” instead it should be called “Equality Activists” because there are all kinds of people out there in today’s society. Different races, sexes, genders want equality as well. Zoe Nicholson’s view of treating people, especially employees with equality I believe gives others a fair opportunity to a successful life. There are many women out there that don’t favor feminism because they usually live the high class with no problem with the sexist world out there if they are earning what they want in life. In other words, they don’t see there is a point to being active in something that would make there life any better than it already is. Now that I have began taking Women Studies class, It really brings to my attention how many women should learn more about their own sex and how people treat the women involved.
Comment by Alexandria S — January 17, 2012 @ 11:36 pm
I don’t know too much about feminism but after reading this blog i learned the real meaning and idea of it. “feminist is a person who believes and behaves as if men and women are equal; equal under the law and with full equal opportunity” this quote speaks very loud. i totally agree that men and women should have equal rights and oppurtunities.
Comment by Jonteen R — January 19, 2012 @ 1:56 pm
This interview with Zoe Nicholson was such a welcoming and eye-opening approach to feminism for me. I’m not going to lie, I have heard tons of stereotypes about feminist and have been afraid to dig deeper into feminism because every time I have, I’ve been scared away by the vocabulary and purely the stereotypes themselves have scared me. However, in Zoe’s defense, she really cleared these stereotypes for me and made me feel comfortable with the ideas behind feminism. This interview made me realize that I carry feminist ideas too. It’s completely true how she mentioned, “Would you ask a person of color if they believed in equality?” I think all women have some feminism in them, whether they act upon it or not! No one likes to be treated unequally. It was also eye opening when I was able to notice feminist names she mentioned that I was actually familiar with like Frida Kahlo, Lady Gaga, Mohandas Gandhi, Cleopatra, Susan Sarandon, and Angelina Jolie. I guess I never really have considered these people feminists but after reading this article and Zoe Nicholson’s explanation of what a feminist is then I see how these people are feminists and it’s inspiring because these are people I can put a face to and people that I am not afraid of. I would have to agree with Zoe’s mournful acknowledgement, how the American society doesn’t know what it would be like if women shared leadership, if all people had full reproductive autonomy and if all families and children were respected. I feel like people would be way more free and have way more time to help the world with other issues rather than to be obsessed with the opposite sex. If people weren’t so afraid of feminism then equality would be in a greater reach. After reading this interview I don’t feel so hesitant to say “Yeah, I’m open to feminism!”. – D.O.
Comment by Destiny O — February 2, 2012 @ 7:53 pm
Zoe Nicholson makes a strong point about questioning whether one is a feminist. I never thought to present it in the aspect of; do LGBTQAI believe in Civil Rights? The way she defines what a feminist is an easier approach to what it means to be a feminist. All along, I admit, I listened to other’s interpretations and meanings and for a quick second believed that the labels must be true. As I read more and more about the women and men behind feminism and the struggle for equal rights, I understand that they are just like me and a lot of others who just want to be treated fairly. So with that said, I will behave as if men and women are equal.
Comment by Salina G — February 4, 2012 @ 9:39 pm
I had always heard about Feminism, but I never considered myself a Feminist because I did not understand the concept completely. I agree with this article in its short and concrete defenition on feminism. Feminism does not just include women it includes men as well. That is something very intersting, because with all the sterotype about feminist you would think only women are feminist. Eventhough I agree that there should be equality for everyone and not just fight for equality for women but for everyone.
Comment by lizbeth hurtado — February 6, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
Zoe Nicholson came up with an interesting point when she spoke about equality within race or even sexual orientation. I always thought that feminism included women who disliked men and thought that they were superior in some way, however it is very different. Like she said, should a race be treated equally? The answer is ofcourse. And therefore a persons sex should be equal as well.
Comment by Heather S — February 6, 2012 @ 2:08 pm