Editor’s Letter :
Dear readers,
Ever since I was little, I was taught that a woman should have a less ambitious career than her
husband, should dress and act femininely, and should be more well-mannered than a man. I was
always eager to challenge these social expectations, but I never had a space to express my ideas.
Coming from a different background, I wasn’t introduced to the concept of feminism until I came
to Putney, my boarding high school in the US. When I first heard the idea of gender equality, I was
fascinated and empowered. However, I was hesitant to admit that I was a feminist because I wasn’t
able to accept the “Free the Nipple” movement or abandon my cosmetics. From exploring and
discussing, I learned there were many kinds of feminists in the world and not just one kind.
While I feel delighted to have opportunities to change how much I conform to expectations, I feel
regretful for women who don’t have the courage or opportunity to challenge social norms. I also
believe that a lot of people are packed with confusion when they hear the idea of feminism just
like I was when I was sixteen. This is why I generated an idea of creating a magazine, not only for
Putney students but also for teenagers outside Putney.
This magazine presents many varieties of feminism and people’s struggles with identifying as
a feminist through articles, interviews, and artwork. Whether you identify as a feminist, not a
feminist, or somewhere in between, this magazine will be thought-provoking. I hope Feminizine
will be a place that you can find inspiration, enlightenment, and a feeling of resonance.
I want to give special thanks to my family, who always wholeheartedly support me, to faculty
members at Putney and students who are willing to contribute. I could not have made this a reality
without all of you. From the experience of making this magazine, I feel confident and empowered
by discussing, interviewing, writing, revising and photographing, and I have never felt so great
to admit that I am a feminist! I hope you can also find a form of empowerment for yourself and
enjoy this very first issue of my magazine!
Hui Lin
Chief Editor and Art Director of Feminizine