Entertainment

TV Shows For The Intersectional Feminist In Us All

by Lakecia Hammond

Feminism has been making space for itself on TV for some time now. And for those who feel like their voice has been left out of the mainstream feminist agenda, these TV shows will make you a better intersectional feminist and then some. Truthfully, there are so many different experiences the movement doesn't always remember to cover ground for, and there's a lot of work to do to make feminism more accessible to more than just a few kinds of women. However, there are shows that are streaming now that will teach you more about inclusivity, whether you are feeling discouraged or whether you're trying to learn more about intersections.

In 2017, I can honestly say I'm happy to see shows with characters that look like me, that eliminate biases, and that hone in on a diverse pain, humor or family dynamics. The more we see different people of all shapes, sexual preferences, and races (played by actors that we feel know and understand those experiences), the more we start to construct an inclusive feminism outside of our own experience and make the feminist fight one all women can support.

So check out the following shows that will definitely make you a better intersectional feminist. We could all use a little refresher.

1

'Master of None'

The show illuminates gendered discrimination throughout the first season and shows us what happens when men ignore the rigidness of stereotypical masculinity.

2

'black-ish'

A black family gets up close and personal with the institutional racism that plagues even the upper middle class.

3

'Scandal'

Olivia Pope is a successful black woman who demands respect. This means calling people out when they misuse labels for women.

4

'Jane The Virgin'

Jane The Virgin has given us a lesson about abortion, teen pregnancy, and the institutional racism that Latinx people face.

5

'Transparent'

This show taps into gender roles, strong women, trans rights, LGBTQ rights, and platonic love.

6

'The Mindy Project'

Mindy is leading her own life while bringing us class, grace, and a hint of social anxiety we can all relate to.

7

'How To Get Away With Murder'

Annalise is the resilient professor and criminal defense attorney who's making her own rules when it comes to teaching her students.

8

'Chewing Gum'

Tracey doesn't let her religious upbringing stop her from wanting to date, using the art of seduction, and losing her virginity before marriage.

9

'Insecure'

Issa works for a nonprofit, helping middle school students of color. Insecure shows us how poor self-image can get in the way of our confidence not only professionally but personally as well.

10

'Orange Is The New Black'

OITNB follows women of different races and classes living behind the bars of institutional racism. And behind the bars of an actual institution.

11

'Brown Girls'

Brown Girls shows us the power of friendship between WOC who come from different worlds but find a common bond.

12

'Sense8'

This show, at its core, follows eight strangers of different sexual preferences, race, and class, who find a connection between each other.

13

'One Day At A Time'

A single Cuban mother is raising two kids, dealing with her own mental health, and helping her white neighbor see his privilege.

14

'The Fosters'

Lena and Stef are an interracial couple who raise their adopted kids and biological son while dealing with family issues and roadblocks they never could have imagined.

15

'The Handmaid's Tale'

Social class and gender mean everything in this totalitarian society. See how the women deal with (or rebel against) their society and tropes.

16

'Dear White People'

A group of Ivy League black students educate the predominantly white student body about their innate privilege.

17

'Queen Sugar'

A black family in the deep south shares a story about their unique struggles with family bonds, romance, and other life roadblocks.

I'm excited to see more inclusive feminism in TV that can teach us all a little something we didn't know about each other. And, hopefully, after watching these shows, you'll be clamoring for more, too.