1. How would you define radical feminism? Or alternatively, what does it mean to be a radical feminist?

Radical feminism sees oppression of females as rooted in our reproductive capacity and potential to become pregnant. It examines the power dynamics between females and males at all levels of society, within all cultures, and considers the intersectionality of sex and oppression faced due to race, disability, sexual orientation, fertility, and socioeconomic class. It attempts to identify all forms of sex-based subjugation and encourages women to desist from feminine conditioning. It also emphasizes sex-based class consciousness and thus advocates against racism, homophobia, ableism, and classism as they divide women and stem from the same domination/subordination hierarchy radical feminists seek to abolish.

2. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and what it was about radical feminist beliefs that initially appealed to you?

I grew up in the rural southern United States. I always resented and rebelled against gender stereotypes. It was a conservative environment, so I was regularly criticized as being too boyish by classmates and adults. I considered limitations on my behavior and abilities unfair and was extremely stubborn in proving myself at times. I always felt it was important to demonstrate that sexist stereotypes were wrong, and my body didn't define my intelligence, ability, personality, or my potential. I had a lot of traditionally masculine hobbies and tended to always have a lot of male friends. But I still always had female friends, and never considered myself “one of the guys”. As an adult, I have consciously abstained from marriage and motherhood, and have no intention of ever doing either. These have been excellent decisions for my happiness and well-being.

Radical feminism initially appealed to me due to how uncompromising it is. It looks at the worst conditions women experience globally. It views third-wave feminism, which is very individualistic, through a critical lense.

3. What are the main goals of radical feminists? What do radical feminists hope to achieve and why?

Radical feminists seek the total liberation of women, physically and mentally, from patriarchy. This includes the abolition of all instutions and traditions through which females are oppressed: prostitution, pornography, human trafficking, surrogacy, female genital mutilation, birth farms, forced marriage, child brides, and lack of access to education. The priority is to address the material sources of inequality, violence, and suffering.

4. As a radical feminist, how do you view/approach people who identify as transgender?

Transgender identity stems from an adherence to traditional gender ideals of masculinity and feminity. Those ideals were formed in patriarchal systems and historically enforced based on sex. Adhering to these stereotypes and using them for self-definition and identity only reinforces those values as correct. If behavior and feeling can supersede definitions based on biology, that places the validity of metaphysical gender definitions over that of material reality. This means transgenderism is unavoidably rooted in misogynistic values.

Radical feminism also rejects beauty standards and the notion that things like plastic surgery are empowering rather than harmful. This includes anyone who identifies as transgender, male or female. Allowing superficiality to become such an important value that it is considered acceptable or even positive to risk one's health in order to pursue a physical ideal is harmful to everyone. A person should not need to medically modify their body to match their feelings or feel happy.

I support gender nonconformity. For people to abandon the tradition of linking their behavior, tastes, and feelings to their gender. Men who engage in traditionally feminine behavior without ceasing to identify as men, and women who do likewise with masculinity, are doing far more to defy patriarchal conditioning and expectations. Individuals should be at liberty to express themselves and dress however they feel happy and comfortable, and these things should have no relevance to their sex.

As for the issue of transwomen's inclusion in female spaces, I believe this simply acts to erase the existence of the concept of female-only spaces. The need for women to have sex-segrated spaces is the unique vulnerability to being impregnated via rape. Male violence is the impetus for transwomen to not feel safe among other males and is the issue that should be addressed. Potentially sacrificing the safety of females from impregnantion via rape in order to make inclusions for the sake of things like feelings of dysphoria is simply pitting the needs of two vulnerable groups against one another.

5. Who in the public eye do you feel is a model radical feminist? What is it about them that makes you feel this way?

I'm going to assume you're getting a lot suggestions for obvious radical feminists from others you are interviewing, so I want to point out Robert Jensen as a rare male radical feminist. His writing addresses toxic masculinity and porn culture from his rather unique perspective and does so in the stark, blunt manner which is typical of radical feminism. I think his works are particularly important to help women understand male culture and socialization without euphemism or excuse.