"But"

I'm not a feminist but.

I am a feminist but.

I'm pro-choice but.

But is my least favorite word in the English language. It is often unnecessary. "I'm not a feminist but... I believe in the main tenets of feminism." It dirties the idea of feminism. It makes being a feminist something to be ashamed of. Feminist is one of those words that people shy away from. It's not a title they're... comfortable with. After all! they shave their legs and put on make up and teehee I love men!

On the other hand, there is "I am a feminist but..." I am a feminist but I shave my legs and I love men teehee. I am a feminist and I don't know why those bitches keep over-reacting. teehee. I am a feminist, but I'm not one of those feminists! Being a feminist is apparently a very unpopular choice. I would hate to be one of those.

I am a feminist. No ifs, or "buts" about it. I support a woman's right to abort whenever the Hell she feels like it. Do I feel uncomfortable when I think about elective third trimester abortions? I do. Do I feel uncomfortable listening to the strawman arguments about "Well, I knew a woman who..." Sometimes. A woman's right always exceeds that of a fetus. The living, breathing woman in front of you inherently has more rights than a fetus.

I support equal rights. I support anti-domestic violence, anti-rape movements, both legal and social. I support fully comprehensive sexual education. Including the "how". I'm sex positive, anti-mainstream porn (and yes, SuicideGirls? Counts as mainstream). I am against shame as an method of control- whether shame for "misbehaving" or not fitting their place in life, or . I am a feminist. Is this a comprehensive list of my views? No, but I'll post about all of it because it's important.

There are other "buts" you hear- if you read this, comment with your favorites. Mine is "she's fat... but she has a great personality."