I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million more times if I have to: feminism should not be women vs. men, but everyone vs. patriarchy.
I’m coming at this from the perspective of a trans guy. I am all too aware that there are absolutely men who are at least as affected by abortion rights issues as women (trans men report higher rates of sexual violence than cis women, unwanted pregnancy can trigger their gender dysphoria, people are disgusted by the idea of pregnant men and it can put them at risk for violence, etc.). Trans rights should not be excluded from feminism, or just tacked on as an afterthought for the illusion of inclusion.
But even outside of that, patriarchy is a system that specifically privileges those it can consider patriarchs. Those most in power in my country are cisgender heterosexual white men who adhere to traditional masculinity and are willing and able to exert power over women, children, and anyone else deemed socially beneath them. The further you get from that ideal, the less power you are granted under patriarchy. This means men that are queer, non-white, feminine/gender non-conforming, disabled, impoverished, and in any way unable to live up to these standards do in fact get punished by this system too.
Support from half the population in the fight against sexism matters. But we need to acknowledge that men are not only ever allies fighting a system that exclusively benefits them. Props to those considered the patriarchal ideal who use their privilege to support the cause. But even that status can be revoked if they do not adhere to the system's strict rules. I want all men right by my side when it comes to dismantling sexism, as it helps people of all genders.
