You may not know Matt McGorry by name (yet), but television viewers know him for How to Get Away with Murder and Orange is the New Black. On the latter show, he plays prison guard John Bennett, who is saddled with a silly pregnancy storyline.
We talk a lot here about feminism and how celebrities feel about the term. The muddled reaction can be baffling and veers from supporters like Emma Watson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to those like Evangeline Lilly and Kaley Cuoco, who place negative meanings upon the word. Then there are the confused and bored starlets, who’d rather change the subject. The main problem, of course, is a lot of people have never read the actual dictionary definition of feminism. Along the way, they heard a negotive connotation, and it stuck.
A very sheepish McGorry only recently discovered the definition of feminism, and he’s climbed on board. He took to social media to spread the word:
I’m embarrassed to admit that I only recently discovered the ACTUAL definition of “feminism”. The fact that the term is sometimes clouded with anything other than pure support and positivity in our society is very tragic. I believe in gender equality. Being a feminist is for both women AND men. I AM A FEMINIST. In for equality? Pass it on – #LeanInTogether #LeanIn #IAmAFeminist #HeForShe
[From Matt McGorry on Instagram]
Yay for McGorry! He’s speaking out in full support of feminism, and he’s paying lipservice to Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In, which he recently read. This is nothing but good news, and I hope more actors come foward to do the same.
Photos courtesy of Matt McGorry on Instagram, Fame/Flynet & WENN
He’s so right. Saying the term is “clouded” is such an astute observation. Bravo!
I didn’t even realize he is Asher AND Bennett! Woah! But wonderfully spoken! I even find him more attractive now.
Finally someone who did his homework before commenting on the subject, and someone who gets it.
Indeed.
Go Asher! Can’t help but love this guy. It’s commendable that he chose to educate himself on the subject. The definition is not hard to find. I’m always surprised when celebs answer questions about whether or not they are feminists while also showing that they have no clue what it truly means.
I’ve such a weird, long-standing crush on him.
I was really excited to read this, though. Dude gets it!
Since HTGAWM is in this thread. HOW BOUT THE SEASON FINALE. DAMN!!!!!
Swear I didn’t breathe the last 20 minutes of the ep!!
Considering how Rebecca was during the season, it was still shocking. She ticked off the wrong group of people.
Great twist in last 20 minutes…totally didn’t see it coming! And even though Matt’s character can be an ass on HTGAWM, he’s kind of grown on me đŸ˜‰ Can’t wait to see what Shonda has up her sleeve for next season!
My gasp echoed through my apartment when Lila’s murderer was revealed. The last hour of the show was a complete mindf*ck.
is it wrong I love him and Bonnie together?
Good for him!
I do not even think the definition has been clouded so much as the goals and different forms do not always directly correspond tk that definition.
There are many different forms of feminism depending on your economic, cultural, or racial background. Different luxuries and concerns for different groups that can’t and shouldn’t be lumped into a single ball.
Some women disagree sharply with one aspect of a topic and feel that as a result they don’t fit into feminism’s overall message. Good that he sought knowledge.
So hot. And also intelligent it seems. He gets it.
GREAT FOR HIM!!! We need MORE of this in Hollywood (and the rest of the World obvs!)!!!
Bravo, sir – well tweeted and hashtagged.
Not only did he stand up for equality, but was also strong enough to admit he was uninformed before and sought to educate himself. That is awesome.
And isn’t that refreshing?? Someone admitting the don’t know anything about a subject and taking the time to learn. I dare say I find it very, very sexy!
He did a lot of great things with that post!
That was an incredibly measured, educated, and supportive response. Good for him!
#GoodAlly
I love his character on OITNB. He’s pretty funny and seems like a good guy, too.
Didn’t know he is the guy on oitnb. Wow the difference in the roles he is playing is glaring. He is so annoying on htgawm
FINALLY, an intelligent, logical and on-point celebrity tweet!
This guy should give lessons.
Very keen observation & admission on his part!
I wish more people could realize this, especially men. I got into a Facebook debate with someone earlier about this very issue. Equality. That is all.
Good for him, I totally agree with him. I always liked him in the show, I’m glad he’s a cool guy irl (unlike certain castmates).
I totally didn’t realize he played both, either! I can’t believe I missed it, now.
I was kind of afraid to see what he said, given how Daya-chick’s actions made me completely fall out of love with her. I’m so glad I did read this. I respect him so much more for this.