Feminism is a messy game. Everyone makes mistakes, chooses the wrong words, shapes their opinions at different paces. Remember, the most effective way to communicate is clearly but patiently. If faced with questions you don’t know how to answer, don’t answer them, take the time to learn, reflect on the gaps of your knowledge. We’re not in a rush, we’re working together. Intersectionality requires collaboration. Lean on each other. Be prepared to give others your time and energy, that’s what it will take to unify.

“I EMBRACE THE LABEL OF BAD FEMINIST BECAUSE I AM HUMAN. I AM MESSY. I’M NOT TRYING TO BE AN EXAMPLE. I AM NOT TRYING TO BE PERFECT. I AM NOT TRYING TO SAY I HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. I AM NOT TRYING TO SAY I’M RIGHT. I AM JUST TRYING—TRYING TO SUPPORT WHAT I BELIEVE IN, TRYING TO DO SOME GOOD IN THIS WORLD, TRYING TO MAKE SOME NOISE WITH MY WRITING WHILE ALSO BEING MYSELF.” -ROXANE GAY