This sort of magical thinking is bizarre,” says Gay, eloquently refusing to take aim at anyone. So why do some people think we’ve acheived gender equality? Is it because they’re more sheltered? (Read: privileged) Are they brainwashed? Blinded by religion? For another, genuine race, disability and LGBTIQ inclusion is just beginning. For one, we need to close the gender pay gap. It’s more than a century since (most) women won the right to work and vote, but today’s movement demands more. That said, contributing to change in the ‘fourth wave’ era of feminism is no easy task. But the best thing is that I can talk about the issues that matter most to me, and contribute to change.” “The worst thing is that sometimes people put me on a pedestal even though I explicitly say to not put me, or any feminist, on a pedestal. I don’t think of myself as a famous feminist,” Gay tells us Getting ideas out into the world is what matters to her. But let’s get one thing straight: Gay isn’t interested in being a celebrity. podcast Hear to Slay, and is regularly invited to speak on live panels and television. The writer, professor and alumnus of five different universities has thousands of Twitter followers, eight bestselling books, hosts the hugely popular U.S. Like her or loathe her, most people know the name Roxane Gay.