Jennifer Baumgardner

Jennifer Baumgardner is an American author and activist, best known for her work on feminism, abortion rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has written for numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Nation, and Ms. magazine, and has been involved with organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the National Organization for Women. Baumgardner's work has been influenced by Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Bell Hooks, and she has been associated with the Third-wave feminism movement, which also includes figures like Rebecca Walker and Amy Richards.

● Early Life and Education

Baumgardner grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and later attended Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where she studied English literature and women's studies. During her time at Drew University, she was exposed to the works of Simone de Beauvoir, Audre Lorde, and Adrienne Rich, which had a significant impact on her development as a feminist. After graduating, Baumgardner moved to New York City and became involved with the feminist movement, attending events like the March for Women's Lives and the National Conference for Media Reform, which was sponsored by Free Press and Common Cause.

● Career

Baumgardner began her career as a writer and editor, working for publications like The Village Voice and The New Yorker. She has also written for The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and Bitch magazine, and has been a contributor to The Feminist Press and Seal Press. In addition to her work as a writer, Baumgardner has been a speaker at events like the National Women's Studies Association conference and the Feminist Majority Foundation's Women's Equality Summit, which featured speakers like Eleanor Smeal and Katha Pollitt. Baumgardner has also been involved with organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the Human Rights Campaign, and has worked with activists like Gloria Anzaldua and Chela Sandoval.

● Activism and Writing

Baumgardner's activism and writing have focused on issues like reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and body image. She has written about the work of organizations like Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation, and has been involved in campaigns like the March for Women's Lives and the National Day of Action for Reproductive Rights, which was sponsored by MoveOn.org and NARAL Pro-Choice America. Baumgardner has also written about the intersection of feminism and pop culture, analyzing the work of artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé, and has been influenced by the work of Cultural studies scholars like Stuart Hall and Angela McRobbie.

● Personal Life

Baumgardner lives in New York City with her partner, Amy Richards, and their two children. She has been open about her experiences as a lesbian mother and has written about the challenges and joys of LGBTQ+ parenting. Baumgardner has also written about her experiences with feminist mothering and the importance of feminist community, citing the influence of Shulamith Firestone and Jo Freeman. In addition to her work as a writer and activist, Baumgardner has been involved with organizations like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and has worked with activists like Urvashi Vaid and Kate Kendell.

● Notable Works

Baumgardner has written several books, including Abortion & Life, Look Both Ways: Bisexual Politics, and F'em!: Goo Goo, Gaga, and Some Thoughts on Balls, which have been praised by authors like Katha Pollitt and Rebecca Traister. Her work has been recognized with awards from organizations like the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, and she has been named one of the most influential LGBTQ+ people by The Advocate. Baumgardner's writing has also been featured in anthologies like The Feminist Memoir Project and Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape, which was edited by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti.