Poor Matt McGorry Just Trying to Be Feminist on Twitter
Got more than he bargained for.
On Tuesday outspoken male feminist (and actor) Matt McGorry took to Twitter in a T-shirt he is selling to benefit NARAL. Nice enough. But, surprise, because this is Twitter we're talking about, some people were not thrilled with the gesture, particularly on International Women's Day.
Aura Bogado, a staff writer at Grist, was dismayed at the excessive praise McGorry received on International Women's Day, as it is a holiday that is supposed to celebrate women. After McGorry said he was "open to guidance" on how to be a better ally, Bogado had some suggestions.
Additionally, sexualizing your male feminist shirt by saying you slept in it? Umm. No. You can figure out why. @MattMcGorry @Ivanna_Ritalot
— Aura Bogado (@aurabogado) March 9, 2016
@aurabogado @Ivanna_Ritalot . But you think that's wrong to do if people are already doing that? Can you elaborate?
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) March 9, 2016
@aurabogado Actually, my mentions are made up of a LARGE percent of people sexualizing me. That's what happens as an actor (not just m fem)
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) March 9, 2016
Dude. That's my whole LIFE. The first time I was propositioned for sex, I was 12. I couldn't turn it into a joke. tf? @MattMcGorry
— Aura Bogado (@aurabogado) March 9, 2016
McGorry then responded to the backlash his response to Bogado generated.
Please tell me again what right you have to make it into a joke @MattMcGorry when it doesn't effect you like it does us?
— han (@sheamess) March 9, 2016
@bhrkuti @sheamess never said I viewed it as "hard" or "bad" for myself. I don't feel that way. Was not comparing to female sexualization
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) March 9, 2016
@bhrkuti @sheamess I do believe that is what happened. Never disagreed. Mostly asked questions. Not sure if you read the full convo?
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) March 9, 2016
@MattMcGorry @bhrkuti pulling a "well actually" on a woc speaking on her experiences wasn't agreeing but okay.....
— han (@sheamess) March 9, 2016
So the endless cycle of Twitter beef goes. Let's all just donate some money to NARAL — no T-shirts needed — and shut up.