Feminist Valentine’s Day: Is there such thing?

With Valentine’s Day approaching I was thinking if celebrating Valentine’s Day with my honey was kind of going against my feminist belief’s? I mean I love Valentine’s Day, its a day to express your love for people (whether that be a romantic relationship or not). But I do feel that this “holiday” is portrayed very wrong: that a man is supposed to pamper his significant other by showering her with chocolates and flowers.. Ehh not so much?

So what is a feminist to do about Valentine’s Day??

Valentine’s Day sends the wrong message: to show love by buying gifts for him or her because the holiday obligates you too. Many heteronormativity gender roles especially appear on this holiday such as this holiday is for “women” because they need to be shown that they are loved and appreciated more than men. That is so silly! For one it is about love, and there shouldn’t need to be a certain day to show love and it doesn’t include same sex couples. For two, Valentines Day concentrates on the system of patriarchy that we work to tear to pieces. So it makes total sense why Valentine’s Day is problematic for many feminist.

Here are a few ways to try and have a feminist Valentine’s Day:

1. Celebrate Freedom to Marry

This week in February is to celebrate the right to marry, support and have a voice by asking Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

2. Celebrate V-Day

Be part of a global movement to end violence against women and girls by attending a V-Day event the “V”stands for Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

3.  Don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, celebrate the love in your life

This could mean the person you’re in a romantic relationship with, but it could also mean your best friend, your mom, or your animal. These important people  deserve to know how much you care for them more often than one day a year.

Remember, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day as a lover, a friend and a feminist. Let me know how you as a feminist celebrate Valentine’s Day!!