You may know Matt McGorry from his roles on the hit shows Orange is the New Black or How to Get Away with Murder. In addition to his supreme acting skills–the range of his character portrayals being quite distinct–the young actor is known for his goofy and easygoing manner. On his social media platforms, he engages with fans and talks about the television shows he is a part of. Behind the scenes, Matt seems to get along with his fellow cast members and gives off a vibe in interviews that he’s a genuinely nice guy.
Celebrities often use their fame to highlight world issues. For instance, Matt’s fellow castmember, Laverne Cox, has been using her platform to speak on trans issues.Taking a page from her book, and the many cast members of Orange is the New Black, Matt McGorry has come out as a self-proclaimed feminist.
When it comes to feminism and racism, those in the public eye tend to shy away from such political stances. Being a white, heterosexual, cis gendered
male, Matt McGorry is turning heads with his recent political statements on all things feminist, intersectionality, and solidarity.
Continually moved by @emmawatson ‘s powerful speech about gender equality. http://t.co/AuDXgI2QhY http://t.co/n4UFGUBO7T #HeForShe
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) March 17, 2015
It all began after Emma Watson’s now-infamous feminist speech for the UN’s #HeForShe campaign in September of 2014. The speech encouraged men to join the fight to end gender equality, and Matt McGorry left inspired by Emma’s words. While most male “supporters” of the movement showed their support over social media that week, Matt didn’t stop there.
It can be problematic when the voice of the privileged overshadows the oppressed, but Matt McGorry makes it his mission to uplift, not speak over. Matt is known for constantly praising his castmates, who are mostly women, and he also uses his platform to make these issues known, even though his opinions aren’t always the popular ones.
Most recently, Matt has spoken up about the #BlackLivesMatter movement and has shown support for justice in the death of Sandra Bland. He goes on to explain why the movement is important and often engages with his followers that don’t necessarily agree.
People who hashtag #AllLivesMatter should tag #BadThingsAreBad too. Equally true statement that is equally unhelpful for a specific movement
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) July 27, 2015
Beyond his own social media posts, the most important factor of Matt’s feminism is the acknowledgment of his own privilege and responsibilities. In this awesome recap of a recent conversation below, Matt answers a question about dating life and being a male feminist.
here u go sir @MattMcGorry pic.twitter.com/LzYmhevbTt — Kayla (@alyak525) July 26, 2015
In addition to the serious knowledge Matt drops, he also brings comedy into his activism. Below are two examples of how feminist work doesn’t always have to be straight and narrow.
It’s clear that Matt is still learning, but that doesn’t keep him silent, and he is willing to listen. Matt McGorry doesn’t get a gold medal for being a male feminist, but for using his platform in a positive manner and making sure that the voice of the oppressed does not go unheard.
Follow Matt on his official Twitter and Instagram for more hilarity and feminist awesomeness!
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