Politics

The Ladies Behind the White House

The Ladies Behind the White House is a lighthearted examination of the female figures (First Ladies) who stand behind this nation’s historically male presidents aimed at those who aren’t as enmeshed in the world of politics, with a conclusion that touches on the importance of voting. An excerpt: “So to sum up: if you’re like me and maybe aren’t as politically savvy as others, but certain issues are still important to you, don’t just think about the two men on the ballot. Think about the women behind the men. Think about all the great things that they are doing, have done and will do. Think about Jill. Think about Melania. All I can say here is just think about Melania. When all this is said and done, I’d like to invite her over after her divorce for some wine and a good relief-cry. I’ll offer her some mac n cheese and maybe I can show off my one pair of (3 seasons old) Christian Louboutins to her. I think she’d like that. It’d cheer her up knowing she at least got some good swag from her White House visit. So, as Americans – do your duty (in heels or sneaks). Whether you go out or mail it in, go vote! #shoepower”

Free to Be: Revisiting Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Definition of Feminism

How One Beauty Brand is Getting Tens of Thousands of Women to Vote This Year

Hint: It involves literally giving away products for free. A few weeks ago, my team and I were floored to find out that 53% of non-voters in the last election were women. We’re talking jaws on the ground floored. This means the majority of people who choose to forgo their right to vote are women—the same group who spent decades trying to get the right to vote. 

What I’ve Learned from Women Legislators Around the Country

I have the great pleasure of working with state legislators around the country to protect and expand reproductive freedom. However, the lessons they've taught me are more than just political, they're life lessons. Here are a few of my favorites from this year.

Slavery is Still Happening Today, and the Proof is in Your Closet

Have you ever thought about how privileged people are, myself included, to be born into G20 countries? How lucky are we to live in countries where one can quite realistically hope and dream for a bright future? Where possibilities are seemingly endless and freedom is already in our possession? Although there are flaws in our political systems, most people here do have basic human rights, our countries have significant economic power, and we always have at least a chance for justice.Unfortunately, many people don't have this privilege. They don't get to explore the possibilities that freedom and economic power so easily offer us. In fact, it's the polar opposite. The reality is that we, as citizens of G20 countries, exploit (consciously or not) the lack of freedom faced by others across our world all in service of our own overconsumption of consumer goods. This system—that we are actively benefiting from—is modern slavery.

From a Protesting Beauty Queen: We Should All Be Political

As a young Black girl immigrating to the United States, a place that, from afar, I thought was the epitome of equality and fair opportunity, I would have never thought that someday I would feel the need to or have to participate in any type of protest regarding the inequality of Black people in this country.