The hottest Feminism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

What Do We Even Mean When We Talk About Porn Today?

Many Such Cases • 739 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The discussion around sexual culture today is influenced by the past debates of feminism and personal responsibility, highlighting a conflict between sex positivity and conservative views.
  2. The creation and accessibility of online porn have dramatically changed how we experience and discuss sexuality, yet we're still stuck in old arguments.
  3. Current trends in social media and cultural expressions show a blend of exaggerated performances for profit, complicating perceptions of authenticity and personal choice in sexual expression.

Les Belles Dames Sans Merci

SBJournal • 353 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Facing challenges in printing and distributing a feminist erotic magazine in the 80s due to societal norms and discrimination.
  2. Encountering obstacles in business operations and facing prejudice due to the nature of the content.
  3. Navigating the complexities of feminist politics, censorship, and personal relationships within the context of sexual liberation movements.

"Dear Lee, thank you for standing up for women, when none of the women did."

A B’Old Woman • 599 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Men who identify as women can pose a risk to women in single-sex spaces, and it's important to keep those spaces safe.
  2. Some arguments about determining who is a woman, like inspecting genitals, are not practical and ignore our ability to recognize gender clues.
  3. It's concerning when women's rights are compromised for the sake of accommodating men who identify as women, and there's a need for balance.

The "womanface" farce

Disaffected Newsletter • 1159 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Feminists view 'womanface' as a serious issue, but it's argued that it's more about personal feelings and competition than real oppression. Many think that these makeup standards are imposed by women on each other rather than defining womanhood itself.
  2. The comparison of 'womanface' to 'blackface' is questioned. It's suggested that 'blackface' impacts have diminished over the years, and that true racism involves more serious repercussions.
  3. Underlying motivations for complaints about these issues may stem from a shallow sense of competition and personal victimhood rather than genuine concerns about injustice.
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Of Course Fetishes Are Political

Many Such Cases • 1179 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Sex positivity is often seen as the idea that all kinks are personal and shouldn't be criticized. But it's important to understand that sex is also influenced by culture and politics.
  2. Some people see traditional lifestyles, like being a 'tradwife', as just a personal choice, but they can also be tied to specific sexual or cultural fetishes, showing how complicated these desires can be.
  3. We need to be open to discussing and critiquing various fetishes instead of just accepting them as normal. Not all desires are healthy, and we should explore where they come from.

How did I get here? A bit about me in brief(ish).

A B’Old Woman • 659 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Women's rights can be taken away, and we should never take our rights for granted. It’s important to stay aware of changes that might seem small but can lead to bigger problems.
  2. Paying attention to what some people call 'trivial matters' is crucial. Issues affecting women can often be dismissed, but they deserve attention to prevent further erosion of rights.
  3. Getting involved in activism can be eye-opening and transformative. Through experiences in advocacy, we can learn about the values and decency in people while also facing challenges.

Things that won't work on me

Disaffected Newsletter • 1119 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. False claims made by some feminists about harassment are seen as untrustworthy and deceitful.
  2. There is frustration with demands for detailed explanations about how to address cultural issues, feeling that it's a waste of time.
  3. Suggestions to tone down anger or criticism are rejected, as the focus is on holding others accountable rather than trying to convince them.

Re-post: A Goodbye Love Letter to Madonna Ciccone

Disaffected Newsletter • 1478 implied HN points • 31 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Madonna has always stood out for her bold and sexual persona, challenging societal norms and expectations for women. This often led to criticism, especially from other women who were jealous or saw her as a threat to feminist ideals.
  2. The personal struggles and traumas she faced growing up shaped her identity and art, revealing a complex character with deep insecurities. Her experiences resonate with many, especially those who relate to her feelings of abandonment and longing for love.
  3. As Madonna ages, her performances have shifted, revealing a sense of vulnerability and loss of the strong icon she once was. This change highlights the emotional challenges of growing older in the spotlight, leaving fans wishing for a more empowered version of her.

Four ol' terfs walk into a bar .....

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. A group of friends aimed to find comfort after a canceled women's rally. They ended up at a vegan restaurant, which led to an unexpected confrontation.
  2. One friend accidentally wore a sticker with a controversial statement, causing the restaurant staff to ask them to leave. This led to a humorous but tense exchange.
  3. Ultimately, they chose to leave on their own due to hunger, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation and the reactions of the restaurant staff.

I'm lovin' it!

Disaffected Newsletter • 979 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The writer finds value in Substack Notes and is skeptical about the emotional reactions seen on social media.
  2. There is frustration with some people demanding moderation against 'hate speech' on Substack.
  3. The writer believes that Substack allows for freer expression without the strict controls found on platforms like Twitter.

Wars of the Sexes

In My Tribe • 820 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Cultural conflicts often arise between men and women, but not everyone fits neatly into one side or the other. It's more about which side certain people feel connected to.
  2. Women's movements like suffrage and temperance had a huge impact historically, but not every cause gained lasting support. For example, the end of Prohibition showed a shift in societal values.
  3. There's a growing trend in institutions towards more feminine values, but this can create tension. Ideally, we should find a way for masculine and feminine values to coexist peacefully and appreciate each other.

I Debate an Academic Feminist

Bet On It • 176 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The writer participated in a debate focusing on feminism with an academic expert. It was a chance to share differing views on the topic.
  2. Both sides read each other's work before the debate, which made the discussion more informed and engaging.
  3. The debate was moderated by another writer, and there is a plan for a follow-up essay to discuss the ideas further.

Of ICE Queens and Handmaidens

Reactionary Feminist • 18 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Online memes and jokes claim progressive women protesting ICE are really motivated by sexual attraction, often riffing on Handmaid’s Tale costumes and romanticized imagery.
  2. It’s possible for protesters to be sincerely committed to a political cause while some participants also bring erotic or performative elements to demonstrations.
  3. Using horny memes to mock these protests is a way to dismiss and delegitimize their politics, and that ridicule often says more about the mockers than about the protesters.

How I rage, and how I forgive

Aditi’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The post emphasizes the importance of respecting and remembering the sacrifices and care provided by mothers.
  2. It highlights the need to consider the impact of decisions on children and mothers in the corporate world.
  3. The narrative prompts reflection on the cycles of life, the balance of forces, and the flaws in current societal systems.

The home project

Men Yell at Me • 648 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Many women are stepping into the role of homeowners, challenging traditional views about women's independence. Single women now own more homes than single men, which shows a shift in who controls their living spaces.
  2. Home can be a place of empowerment and resistance. Creating and renovating a home allows people to reshape their environments, making it a sanctuary that reflects their values and identities.
  3. Despite societal pressures to conform to traditional female roles, women are finding strength and safety in their personal space. Making a home their own can help women resist being pushed back into outdated domestic expectations.

Boy, Turn Off That Clairo And Grab Yourself A Beer

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Men today sometimes pretend to like things to impress women, like matcha or trendy accessories. This behavior, often called 'performative maledom,' raises questions about genuine interest versus trying to fit in.
  2. Economic pressures have led to a crisis for many young men, as opportunities diminish and traditional roles change. This has caused feelings of powerlessness and sometimes leads to harmful ideologies.
  3. There's a growing concern about male loneliness and its impact on behavior. When men struggle with relationships, they may turn to unhealthy outlets, indicating a need for better emotional support and understanding.

Yeah, Yeah, The Sexual Revolution

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The sexual revolution has raised questions about its success, with many arguing it has failed. Issues like high divorce rates and rising unhappiness, particularly among women, are often cited as evidence.
  2. Feminism has made strides, but it also faces challenges in the dating market. Women have gained more opportunities, but the realities of attraction and relationships haven't changed significantly.
  3. Society swings between periods of sexual liberation and repression. The hope is for a future where there's more acceptance of diverse sexualities without trying to return to the past's extremes.

What the heck, Joni Ernst?

Men Yell at Me • 508 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Feminism
  1. Just because someone has experienced a problem doesn't mean they will automatically be kind or supportive about it. Life experiences don't guarantee empathy.
  2. Many people want to change big issues like sexual assault but struggle to confront the systems that allow these problems. It's harder to stand against the power structures that protect wrongdoers.
  3. The conversation around #MeToo has evolved, and now some are using its language to target others unfairly. This reveals how deeply personal and complex these issues can be.

The Forbidden Fruit of Politically Volatile Dick

Default Wisdom • 506 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The Gender War on social media shows how right-wing men and left-wing women attract each other based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses. This tension often leads to extreme views and oversimplified narratives about gender roles.
  2. Many discussions about the Manosphere and movements like the 4B are too simplistic. The realities of these movements are often misrepresented in popular media, failing to capture the cultural and contextual nuances behind them.
  3. Relationships between people from opposing sides (like leftists and rightists) often explore themes of power and vulnerability. These dynamics can highlight underlying attractions that aren't just about politics but also psychological complexities.

Feminism and the Position of Women in China

Moly’s Substack • 314 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Feminism
  1. China faces challenges with sexism and gender inequality, impacting women's positions in society.
  2. The rapid growth of China has created societal problems, such as outdated laws and a skewed wealth gap.
  3. Sexism in China is intertwined with governmental, societal, and economic factors, affecting women's rights and opportunities.

Whose Lost Decade?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 21 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The claim that white millennial men were primarily shut out by “wokeness” is overstated; shrinking humanities and media jobs, elite overproduction, credential inflation, and aging leadership explain much of their diminished opportunities.
  2. Both woke and anti-woke politics have often functioned as elite status games or marketing moves, which distracted energy from concrete material problems and led to elite capture of progressive language.
  3. Real change requires material fixes and collective coordination — more good jobs, reforms to stale hierarchies, and deliberate efforts to shift harmful gender norms — not just fights over elite hiring or word games.

Sex, money, and pain: A personal story

Sex and the State • 27 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Sex can hurt even when everything else is right, and women often experience that pain more than men.
  2. That imbalance can make women resent men because it’s hard to want sex when you also fear pain.
  3. The personal story connects sex and pain to bigger issues like gender, sexual stigma, and money.

Casting the First Stone

Thinking about... • 475 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Many people misunderstand the themes and messages in 'The Handmaid's Tale,' often blaming one religion while ignoring the complexities of the story.
  2. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly following ideologies that can lead to oppressive regimes, just like the fictional Gilead.
  3. It's important to reflect on our own beliefs and behaviors, especially when they can lead to harmful actions against others, as seen in the novel.

A heartwarming work of staggering performativity

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 294 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Discussions around tipping behaviors and husband discourse often resurface periodically on social media.
  2. Many women share stories of seemingly perfect relationships with supportive partners to showcase their personal and professional success.
  3. Public narratives of idealized relationships may not always reflect the true complexities and challenges faced by individuals in real life.

You can have pleasure but no freedom

Men Yell at Me • 417 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. In 2024, there was a lot of open talk about women's sexual desires, but this happened alongside many restrictions on reproductive rights. It's like women are getting more pleasure but losing freedom.
  2. There's a big difference in how often men and women achieve orgasms, which shows there's still a gap in sexual satisfaction. While women explore their desires, many still face issues like loss of job security and safety during pregnancy.
  3. Even with more representation of female desire in media, it often focuses on certain types of women. Real freedom for all women, not just privileged ones, is necessary for genuine sexual liberation.

How two vegan men peaked me into being a committed women’s rights ‘bigot’.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Defending women's spaces can lead to unexpected backlash from friends. It's surprising how quickly opinions can change over important issues.
  2. There’s a personal journey in understanding feminism, which can be triggered by seeing unfairness in women's rights. Reflecting on past struggles can inspire a deeper commitment to activism.
  3. Sometimes, conflicts reveal true friendships and values. Ending toxic friendships can lead to personal growth and stronger connections with like-minded people.

10 books of women's awakenings: nonfiction

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 758 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Feminism
  1. Reading books that showcase women breaking boundaries and embracing change can inspire personal growth and empowerment.
  2. Exploring nonfiction literature can provide insights into hidden societal norms that suppress women, prompting reflection and action for change.
  3. Books that focus on feminist ecology and the connection between women and nature can foster a deeper understanding of strength and interconnectedness.

What's Wrong with Moderation?

Humanities in Revolt • 239 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Feminism
  1. Social progress often comes from principled conviction rather than compromising between extremes.
  2. Historical movements for justice and social transformation have often required radicalism, advocacy, and personal sacrifice, rather than moderation.
  3. Feminist foremothers teach us that true social change necessitates dissent, defiance of norms, and enduring discomfort to combat oppression and injustice.

NYTimes - Crochet Coral Reef

SCIENCE GODDESS • 137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Feminism
  1. The Crochet Coral Reef project combines math, art, and climate change in a unique way.
  2. It is the world's largest art+science project with participants globally.
  3. The project involves a blend of art, craft, math, science, community practice, and feminism.

[Captured] Caddy-wack, Chyron the spectrum, and tampons at Meta

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 285 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. America's perspectives seem to have shifted, as some now cheer for the wealthy and powerful instead of supporting the underdog.
  2. It would be handy if we labeled people's conversations with details like their medications for better understanding, just like political labels do.
  3. It's great to see women making progress, as it shows how far feminism has come over the years.

The void

Close-reading the reruns with Phoebe Maltz Bovy • 235 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. The post discusses a tweet involving a white woman and a shirt slogan in a Pilates class - there's a void at the core of the story.
  2. The narrative explores how social media posts can project feelings onto situations and individuals.
  3. The author questions the meaning behind a shirt slogan stating "Literally nothing I do is for men" and the implications it carries.

State of the Blog: Updates

Knowingless • 931 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Bringing on guest contributors with similar 'qualifications' to write about sex.
  2. Increasing output by including smaller, more frequent posts like Q&A sessions and brainstorming thoughts.
  3. Planning to publish interviews with introspective women, evo-psych content, seduction analysis videos, AMAs, and a mysterious upcoming project.

The most powerful woman you can see

Men Yell at Me • 155 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Living in Iowa has brought a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment to teaching and community engagement. The connection with students and the supportive environment feels more impactful than in bigger cities like New York.
  2. A year of celibacy taught a lot about self-connection and feeling comfortable in one's own body. It shifted the focus from being seen by others to truly experiencing life and one's own desires.
  3. Everything in life is connected, from relationships to personal values. By recognizing these connections, there's a chance to bring passion and presence into all areas of life, including friendships and activism.

Feminism Benefits Men Too

Erik Examines • 134 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Feminism
  1. Gender equality helps men work less overall. In places that value gender equality, people enjoy a better balance between work and family time.
  2. Sharing parenting responsibilities can be joyful for men. Men may find happiness and fulfillment in spending quality time with their children.
  3. Men's financial situations can improve when women work. Having two incomes often leads to more disposable income and fewer financial burdens after separations.