Many mainstream feminists have been reluctant to claim Queen Bey as one of their own. From criticizing her sexuality to naming one of her tours after her married name, she's been ripped through the ringer. Even after publicly declaring her feminist identity, people still doubt her. Here are seven of Beyoncé's greatest statements on feminism and gender equality.
1. On the Beauty Myth
“We all have our imperfections. But I'm human, and you know, it's important to concentrate on other qualities besides outer beauty.” — from Beyonce: Behind the Scenes of 'Pink Panther
2. On Solidarity
"I'm always thinking about women, and what we need to hear. It’s difficult being a woman. It’s so much pressure, and we need that support sometimes and we need that escape sometimes." — from Life is But a Dream
3. On the Gender Wage Gap
“It really pisses me off that women don’t get the same opportunities that men do, or the money for that matter. Because, let’s face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives me the power to define our values and what’s sexy, and feminine. And that’s bullshit because at the end of the day it’s not about equal rights, it’s about the way we think. We have to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves.” — from Life is But a Dream
4. On Identity
“You can have your child and still have fun, and still be sexy and still have dreams and still live for yourself.” — from Self-Titled Part 4. Liberation
5. On Sexuality
“I don’t at all have any shame about being sexual and I’m not embarrassed about it. And I don’t feel like I have to protect that side of myself. I do believe sexuality is a power that we all have.” — from Self-Titled Part 4. Liberation
6. On Motherhood
“We have to teach our boys the rules of equality and respect, so that as they grow up, gender equality becomes a natural way of life. And we have to teach our girls that they can reach as high as humanly possible.” — from her essay in The Shriver Report
7. On Independence
“My mother always taught me to be strong, and to never be a victim, never make excuses, never expect anyone else to provide things for me that I know I can provide for myself.” — from "Yours and Mine"
