Birthday Gift from my Pro-Feminist Husband

When I unwrapped the small box, I thought the birthday gift was perfume. Instead, I opened a package of business cards from my husband. One side has colorful graphics and the words, “Peace, Love, Women’s Studies” and the other had my contact information (including, this blog, LDS WAVE, and our family blog) with the tagline, “Advancing the Cause of Gender Equality.”

When I saw the card, I laughed. I realized that was not the reaction my husband was looking for. I recovered quickly with, “Thank you! How thoughtful.” But I was uncomfortable with a card that so clearly announced my hobby. It seemed pretentious and silly for me to have business cards about blogging and feminist activism. As I thought more about why my initial reaction was to laugh (some friends had similar reactions), I decided that it was because I just don’t think people value what I do as much as they value other types of work and employment.

Then the light bulb went off. This is what feminists have been fighting for for decades. In addition to allowing women to participate in traditionally male-dominated jobs, we want society to value “women’s work” as well. These cards showed that Mark values what I’m doing and thinks that others should as well.

Including me. I should be proud of what I do as an advocate for gender equality both in and out of the LDS church.