The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Roxane Gay | 'The Portable Feminist Reader'
Mar 29, 2025
Roxane Gay, an award-winning writer known for her influential books like 'Bad Feminist' and 'Hunger', shares her experience curating 'The Portable Feminist Reader'. She discusses the diverse feminist voices from the 1500s to today and the importance of inclusivity in literature. Reflecting on her work, Gay explores the complexities of being a 'bad feminist' and the evolving nature of feminist ideals. The conversation also highlights her unexpected collaboration on a comedic romance novel, merging humor with serious discussions of gender equality.
09:40
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Quick takeaways
- Roxane Gay describes being a 'bad feminist' as accepting imperfections in one's beliefs while continuing to engage with feminist ideals.
- She highlights the alarming regression in women's rights over the past decade, urging the importance of resilience and advocacy for future generations.
Deep dives
The Concept of Being a 'Bad Feminist'
Roxane Gay defines being a 'bad feminist' as embracing feminism while acknowledging personal inconsistencies in her beliefs and actions. She emphasizes that it's important to allow for imperfections within one's feminist identity, suggesting that striving to be a bad feminist is still better than not engaging with feminism at all. For instance, she relates her enjoyment of hip-hop and the complexities it brings to her feminist stance, illustrating that every individual has their unique relationship with feminist ideals. Gay embodies a positive view of personal growth and hopes to be a better 'bad feminist' than she was a decade ago, indicating that the journey is ongoing and evolves over time.
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