I need Feminism because,
The man in the sound booth always stands a little too close.
But nobody would care if I said anything.

I need feminism because,
Grown men tell me what looks nice and what doesn't.
When they shouldn't be looking at all.

I need feminism because,
I heard someone tell my brother that he can't cry.
Because he's a man.

I need feminism because,
A teenaged boy put his crotch against me,
And nobody said a word about it.

I need feminism because,
The church music director bites his lip at me.
And won't take me seriously.

I need feminism because,
My ex-boyfriend pressured me to send nudes,
Because it's my fault I'm "sexy".

I need feminism because,
I've been told I won't ever be enough,
Because of my gender.

I need feminism because,
I throw like a girl.
And that is an insult.

I need feminism because,
I am told I am a slave to my emotions,
While being informed my skirt is too short.

I need feminism because,
I don't want to be belittled for something
That I am.
And something I will never change.
I want my sisters to be safe and not live their lives in fear.
I want to go outside at night. And wear nice things, and do what I please.
Without being told I can't
Because of the gender circled on my birth certificate.

-Salem Brooke