How to Spot a Fake Feminist Man

Every man supports gender equality when it’s time to pay for dinner — but how do his views stack up where it really matters? Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell. Lots of abusive, narcissistic, or genrally lackluster men masquerade as feminists in order to get women in bed with them.

While there’s no sure fire way to ensure you don’t get burned with a faux-feminist, here are some tips on how to identify them.

1. What kind of content does he consume?

If all his favorite creators are men, that’s a red flag.

For example, if his favorite writers are Hemingway, Steinbeck, David Foster Wallace, Phillip Roth, Haruki Maurakami, Stephen King, and George R.R. Martin, he doesn’t have a preference for certain genres and styles. He just prefers men.

A man who only reads books by men a) is not a feminist, and b) doesn’t respect women intellectually.

Run.

2. Watch how he treats women he isn’t attracted to.

If he’s cruel to anybody, male or female, that’s an obvious red flag. But look even more closely.

A real feminist listens to women, whether or not he’s attracted to them. Does he care about the thoughts and feelings of women he doesn’t want to sleep with? Or does he ignore them, and live his life as though they don’t exist?

3. How does he respond to female authority figures?

Watch how he talks about female politicians. If neither Hilary, nor AOC, or Stacey Abrams, or Elizabeth Warren, or Kamala Harris are good enough for him, then who is?

A fake feminist will be a Democrat, but never support female candidates in the primaries.

What about female coaches, bosses, or professors? If a man gives a hard time to female authority figures in his life, it’s because he’s a closeted misogynist.

4. What do his exes think of him?

If every woman he’s ever slept with hates him, run. Don’t even stick around long enough to find out why. A real feminist generally has a pretty high approval rating.

5. What are his female friends like?

If all of his female friends are thin, wealthy, and conventionally attractive, then he doesn’t actually care about women. He cares about using women to elevate his social status.

Check his social media. Who does he post pictures with? Don’t let him turn you into arm candy.

6. Disagree with him on something. See how he takes it.

This one is more of a test. A feminist might be open to discussing the subject politely, or might just let it go. A misogynist won’t be able to handle it.