Can men be feminists?

No. And before you get defensive, here's why.

Q: Feminism is failing because we have excluded men. Why don't we make more effort to include them?

A: Men have had ample time to recognise we need their support and they could at any time have asked how they can be effective supporters.

Q: But we need to make feminism more welcoming for them.

A: Black anti-racist activists tend to not waste time and effort desperately trying to draw in white people by being nice and persuasive. It is a movement for the liberation of black people. White people are very welcome to support the efforts and be actively anti-racist. Feminists expect and need the equivalent from men.

Q: So men can be feminists?

A: No, in the same way that I as a white woman cannot be a black activist. I can, however, embrace an anti-racist politics, and I would see that as a critical part of my feminism.   Similarly, men can embrace a feminist analysis, contribute to progressive change and help themselves break out of the patriarchal mindset.

Q: So men are being excluded from feminism when in fact we urgently need them involved?

A: Not at all. Feminism is the only liberation movement on the planet that centres women and girls. We have to lead this movement and cannot have men taking positions of power within it. It is very clear how they can be good allies.

Q: Feminists hate men. Otherwise, why would you not want them to work alongside you for the greater good?

A: Feminism is the most optimistic liberation movement because it recognises that no boy is born bad, and that no girl is born to be victimised. We believe in change, and do not think men are destined to be aggressors. We welcome the support of men who wish to work alongside feminists. We particularly welcome those men who do not want to be the spokespeople for feminism, to set the feminist agenda, take credit for the achievements of feminism, or be heaped with praise for their contribution to the cause of women’s liberation.

Q: I know lots of men who are feminists. Are you saying that you don't want them in the movement?

A: I am sure you do know many men who call themselves feminists and most will do so in good faith. There is much for them to do to support the women's movement as allies, including working with boys and men for change. A question for you to ponder is, are any of these men who call themselves feminists campaigning to end male violence, including the sex trade? Or are they of the 'sex work is work' mindset? Both Owen Jones and Billy Bragg claim to be supporters of feminism. Look at the state of them:

Q: What reason can you give for why men should not work alongside women within feminist campaigns?

A: Because men have been socialised to be dominant and to be heard over women. There are numerous examples of men assuming leadership positions in campaigns. In particular however, women need single sex spaces to discuss male violence and abuse because the presence of men is an inhibitor to this.

Q: If you continue to exclude men, won’t the women's movement remain a marginal one?

A: Women and girls make up just over half the planet. Feminism represents three-and-a-half billion people. We need to persuade more women to stand up for their rights, instead of supporting men’s rights at their own expense. Stop banging on about men!