Entertainment

Camila Cabello's 7 Most Feminist Moments

by Kadeen Griffiths

Tuesday is a day that will live on in Fifth Harmony fan history. All right, so I'm exaggerating, but it does mark the 18th birthday of 5H member Camila Cabello — and that's reason enough to declare it a national holiday. Cabello has been tweeting her way up to her birthday with the passion and excitement you would expect from one who will soon be able to legally buy her own cigarettes and vote, and now the big day is finally here. So, in celebration of Cabello, it seemed only fair that we celebrate her life. And by her life, I mean the feminist moments of her life — of which there are quite frankly too many to count.

One of the things that make 5H such an amazing band of women is that each of those women are very committed to spreading feminism as far and wide as they spread their music. Not only are their songs very pro-women, but, behind-the-scenes, they also take the time to talk about, and campaign for, feminist causes. Cabello is no different; her social media accounts are frequently flooded with evidence of her feminist beliefs. Here are just seven of the times that Cabello proved she was an amazing feminist, because to count more than seven would keep us all here all day.

1. She Supported A Transgender Fan

On March 1, 2015, Cabello posed for a picture with transgender fan Camila Joe — who named herself after the singer because, according to Joe, it was Cabello who gave her the courage to transition. "I met her during a signing last year when her name was 'Joey' and she told me I inspired her to have the courage to transition," said Cabello in the Instagram post. "And right before my eyes, today I saw a beautiful, confident woman (with IMMACULATE EYELINER by the way)."

2. She Supports Other Feminists

Rihanna and Taylor Swift aren't the only feminists that Cabello has applauded for taking a stand against the patriarchy. She's also in the habit of posting long, loving letters to her band mates on their birthdays and posing for pictures with other female celebrity friends. It's clear that Cabello fosters a network of women supporting women, and that's absolutely beautiful to watch.

3. She Slams Sexist Trends

When the troll-heavy trending hashtag #FeministsAreUgly hit the Internet, Cabello was among the many to express her disgust and disappointment with such a label. As if appearance has anything to do with feminism — and as if it's ever OK to label someone else "ugly." Can we get a slow clap for Cabello here please?

4. She Supports #HeForShe

This should come as no surprise to anyone, but Cabello is a huge supporter of Emma Watson and the #HeForShe movement. And who wouldn't be?

5. She Encourages Girls To Be Their Own BO$$

Cabello and the other members of 5H teamed up with DoSomething.org to create the #ImABoss campaign and help females with low self-esteem. "You put 'I’m a boss of…' whatever unique trait it is that your friend has, and then you print it out. You take a picture of your friend holding the sign, and you show it on social media," she explained in an interview with Bop and Tiger Beat. "It’s a fun way for friends to encourage other friends and boost their confidence, because whenever someone recognizes a skill or a trait you have, you own it more. You know what I mean?"

6. And She's Very Riveting

As part of the photoshoot to go with the #ImABoss campaign, Cabello — and the rest of Fifth Harmony — all dressed up like Rosie the Riveter. Personally, I think she's rocking this look as hard as Beyoncé, but that could just be me.

7. She's A Feminist Role Model

From using her Tumblr to blog about all kinds of social issues, including racism and sexism, to openly discussing issues like slut shaming and how it needs to end, Cabello is a feminist icon to fans of the band and to fans of her personally. There isn't enough time and space in the world to cover every individual time she has taken a step forward for the feminist movement, but one thing is for sure. She is a true BO$$.