I like to think of myself as a feminist and a poet, but it never occurred to me that I could actually drop the "and" and become a feminist poet. Thankfully, many brave girls before me had the insight to do so; and yes, Feminist Poetry exists, and Feminist Poetry is getting bolder than ever.

But before explaining what’s going on recently, let’s take a trip down Memory Lane…

Feminist poetry is a movement recognized as coming to life during the 60s, a decade when many writers challenged traditional notions of content and form. This included feminists who claimed their place in society and, of course, in specific fields such as literature.

As a movement, feminist poetry is usually thought of becoming even more popular during the 70s. In fact, by 1972 it already had a solid network of feminist publishing to sustain its ideals. Many talented women, like Judy Grahn and Adrienne Rich, were publishing destabilizing poems that turned their names into world-references.

As these ladies knew, a purely academic approach to feminism isn’t enough; it is necessary to connect with people through personal stories, humor and everyday experiences in order to break through. And here is where Feminist Poetry makes a huge difference. Step by step, this type of verses became a formation, an intellectual and cultural school of thought.

As Jan Clausen wrote back in 1982, “poets are some of feminism’s most influential activists, theorists, and spokeswomen”. Decades later, we can’t deny that Clausen’s assessment of poetry remains apt. In fact, we can even recognize that poetry and feminism is once again becoming a trendy couple. Fearless women are mixing vibrant feminist convictions with contemporary poetry and let me tell you: the result is absolutely delicious (Even if a bit bitter).

Badass girls who are slam poets talk about sensitive topics such as body image, same-sex marriage, rape and love. The personal stories they share are filled with intimacy, making it impossible to stay indifferent. So now I invite you to take a good and reflective look into these girls’ videos.

Quite sometimes, art is the channel thought which we can better express how we feel.
These women felt marginalized, stifled or distorted by the male-dominated world and decided to turn all those feelings into poetry. If you listen carefully, you’ll realize that these girls’ words beg us to keep fighting and to remember the importance of gender equality.

So let’s spread the word (or the verse!), boys & girls! Thumbs up to these poets!

Savannah Brown

“When I first learned that no one could ever love me more than me
a world of happiness previously unseen was discovered
because somewhere along the line of aging and scrutiny and time
I was taught to despise myself (…)”

Lily Myers

“(…) as my grandmother became frail and angular her husband swelled to red round cheeks, round stomach, and I wonder if my lineage is one of women shrinking, making space for the entrance of men into their lives (…)”

Imani Cezanne

“(…)They said women, like children, should be seen and not looked up to. They said do everything you can to make yourself smaller (…)”