Madison Kimrey first made headlines as the 12-year-old who would "restore your faith in the future of politics" when she called out North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R) for dismissing teens in a powerful speech last fall. Now, the teen is back -- and this time, she has a few words for Phyllis Schlafly.
In an impassioned open letter penned on Liberals Unite, the young activist defines feminism to the outspoken conservative leader, who recently declared that women who are paid the same as men won't find husbands.
Kimrey writes:
What you’re doing is attempting to limit my choices, and I don’t appreciate that. Let’s get one thing straight here. When I’m thinking about what kind of career I want to have, it’s a lot like shopping for a bra. I want to find something that fits me and appeals to me, and I’m not thinking about pleasing a man. Anyone who wants to be my partner in life is going to have to truly respect me, appreciate me for who I am, and honor the choices I make.
Kimrey specifically talked about Yellowberry, a bra company run by another young, feminist leader, 18-year-old Megan Grassell. Grassell created the company because she couldn't find age-appropriate bras for herself in department stores as a pre-teen. She wanted to help other young girls find comfortable options.
"Making choices in our lives as young women is kind of like finding that favorite bra," Kimrey wrote.
Kimrey ended her letter writing that Schlafly's beliefs are "contributing to something very disturbing" she sees happening among teenage girls and vowed to help get the Equal Rights Amendment ratified in her lifetime.
"Equality doesn’t mean women will all make the same choice. It means women will be treated the same no matter what choices they make."
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