The depth of my disappointment in both Steinem and Albright is immeasurable. These are two fiercely intelligent women who stood up for women’s rights, who rose to preeminent positions in society, and served as towering role models for many young women like myself. The reason I am upset though, is not because I find their comments flippant, dismissive, and shallow (even though I do). I am upset because both Albright and Steinem are betraying their own ideals and definitions of feminism in their desperate attempt to vote a woman into the White House.

Gloria Steinem once said, “A gender-equal society would be one where the word ‘gender’ does not exist: where everyone can be themselves.” Madeline Albright has echoed this sentiment in her many pronouncements encouraging women to speak up, to be strong in their convictions, to be themselves…

As a feminist, I truly believe in the equality of men and women. I believe that, man or woman, black or white, the person I vote for as President of the United States should share my views on issues that are important to me: economics, foreign policy, gender-equality, and wealth inequality. It so happens that my views align far more with Bernie Sanders than with Hillary Clinton. Do I betray my gender and my identity because I am able to think freely enough to make this decision?