Why You Should Read Feminist Magazines

I am falling in love with magazines. More specifically, feminist magazines.

As evidenced by several of my posts, I love Bitch magazine. I discovered it while working on a paper for a feminism class, and ordered several back issues to analyze. The feminist take on pop culture topics won me over immediately. Now I have a subscription, with a plan to buy one or two back issues each month to build up my collection.

Recently, I also subscribed to Bust magazine and my first issue arrived today. Already in love! Even though I may never use it, I'm really excited it by the Do It Yourself section that provides you with easy, cheap crafts (in this issue: make a fabric necklace out of old T-shirts!). I've also been introduced to cool new feminist organizations that I want to support (Buy Her Bag Not Her Body is an organization that gives Cambodian women jobs to keep them out of sex trafficking). I've discovered two new musicians (new to me at least; I tend to be behind the times). I can't wait for more.

I also enjoy the blogs on Ms. magazine's website. I haven't subscribed yet, but I have a feeling it will be my next (unless someone has another feminist magazine suggestion?).

What I love so much about feminist magazines is the feeling of understanding and community. Yes it's cheesy but it's also true. When I read Cosmo, I feel left out. I don't want to use the make-up or buy the clothes (and don't have the money to do so anyway) and I certainly don't want to take the shoddy relationship advice. But these feminists mags that I love provide me with a group of people who think like I do, who read what I read, and who are concerned about more than appearance and "pleasing their men."

So for anyone who has flipped through a traditional women's magazine and felt left out, ignored, or looked down upon, check out a feminist mag instead! They're really awesome, and they are helping me discover what I want to do with the rest of my life (... work for a feminist magazine; thought I'd spell it out just in case).