Leighton Meester Says Betty Friedan Is Her Role Model

Blair Waldorf Has The Best Role Model Ever
Leighton Meester attends "The Oranges" screening hosted by the Cinema Society and The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Leighton Meester attends "The Oranges" screening hosted by the Cinema Society and The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Attention, world: Leighton Meester is a feminist, and she's not afraid to say it.

The "Gossip Girl" star spoke to OOTD magazine about her recent collaboration with Nelly.com as well as the people who have influenced her and lessons she's learned during her career.

When asked who her role model was, Meester responded:

The American writer Betty Friedan -- she fought for gender equality and wrote the great book The Feminine Mystique which sparked the beginning of a second-wave feminism.

She went on to agree that she identifies as a feminist, stating: "I believe in equal rights for men and women."

Given the shocking number of female celebrities who refuse to identify as feminists, we're excited to see Meester join the ranks of those who aren't afraid of the "F-word." And her advice to young girls who want to succeed is refreshingly practical: "Read and fight for an education."

This is the best thing we've heard Meester say since she announced that "Hillary Clinton is one of my role models -- I do not break treaties, you ass," as Blair Waldorf. Seth Cohen.. er.. Adam Brody is one seriously lucky man.

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