Thank You.

Yesterday, Jessica Valenti of Feministing said her official farewell to the site. It feels so bittersweet, yet I do not know her personally.

My “connection” with Jessica Valenti goes to one of the first Women’s Studies classes I had a few semesters ago where “Full Frontal Feminism” was the first assigned reading. I bought the book online before the semester started not really intending to read it early. When it arrived I opened it to scan it and ended up reading the entire thing right then and there.

“I’m not a feminist, but…” was completely eradicated from my vocabulary and the Feminist Badassery I had in me my entire life finally found the outlet. It was my “ah-ha!” moment. It was the moment where I said, “Wait, what?” It was a moment where I looked back and all those feelings and emotions became awareness and consciousness.

I had never even heard of Feministing before I read FFF. I did not know feminism was so….. accessible. I fell in love with Feministing and found myself there every day. Then I began to realize the powerful comments were coming from everyday people who also had their own blogs. I became obsessed with feminist blogs, and eventually got the courage to start my own.

If memory serves me correct, I had three Women’s Studies courses that semester. Those four months turned my world upside down. And I’ve never looked back.

I have always appreciated Jessica Valenti for two reasons. First, she was the bridge that made feminism accessible. Yes, it was great to learn the history of the Women’s Movements. And of course, now I thrive off of reading what our sisters of the first, second, third waves wrote – but at the time, Valenti was the main source that made it contemporary. She bridged the academic and every-day life.

Secondly, she, as far as I can tell, has remained humble by her experience. As a goofy example, in the past I’ve tweeted links to her personal blog and/or Feministing. I usually include her twitter handle so others can then follow her (common twitter courtesy, right?) She has always replied with a ‘thank you’. It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot. It tells me that she really does appreciate and listen to what her fellow feminists are saying and that she does value the support we give her.

And so, Ms. Valenti, I will continue to support you. I will continue to support Feministing. I will continue to send a copy of FFF to friends that show the slightest interest in my feminist rhetoric. And I also know that you really aren’t going away from the feminist community. I wish you the best of luck in your marriage/motherhood/and your amazing new projects. Thank you for the movement you’ve started, and for the inspiration you have given to so many people.

Originally posted at http://www.feministified.com/