Jennifer Baumgardner

Jennifer Baumgardner is a prominent feminist writer, filmmaker, and activist who has played a central role in defining the "Third Wave" of the feminist movement. She is the co-author of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future, a seminal text that bridged the gap between the achievements of the 1970s and the realities of modern womanhood. Baumgardner’s work is characterized by its accessibility and its focus on the lived experiences of women, covering topics from reproductive rights to bisexuality and sexual violence. She served as the Executive Director/Publisher at The Feminist Press at CUNY, where she championed diverse voices and progressive literature.\n\nBaumgardner’s writing is deeply personal yet politically sharp. She explores the complexities of navigating a patriarchal society while embracing individual agency and choice. Her book Look Both Ways explores the intersection of sexuality and identity, challenging binary labels. As a filmmaker, she directed It Was Rape, a documentary that sheds light on the pervasiveness of sexual assault. Baumgardner is known for her ability to make feminism relevant to new generations, arguing that the movement is not a static set of rules but a living, breathing practice. She continues to lecture at universities and contribute to major publications, advocating for social justice and gender equity.