Hot girl summer: anti-feminist or not?

Comment writers debate the nature of a hot girl summer

Hot girl summer — breaking free from the patriarchy?

OVER the past few years, the term ‘hot girl summer’ (HGS) has grown in momentum after it was coined by pop singer Megan Thee Stallion and, as expected, Instagram has taken the lead in promoting this new lifestyle. Whilst the social pressures of HGS have been rightly criticised, I believe the idea as a mindset, rather than an image, empowers women to break free from society’s restrictive and prescriptive expectations.

The HGS movement offers an empowerment of freedom that allows women to unapologetically be themselves and explore their sexuality without the judgement and shaming that has become so normalised in our society. The patriarchy thrives off confining women to stereotypes and outdated ideals on how they should behave, dress, or what their freedoms should be. The movement unlocks the potential for these restrictions to be subverted in a welcoming, inclusive, and fun community where individualism and the freedom to be oneself is celebrated. Some comment that the promoted aesthetic of HGS is only applicable if you are single and that it is a “girls only club.” However, this concept is luckily evolving to become inclusive of anyone hoping to become more confident and in-tune with themselves. The idea need not be limited to hook-up culture as it also promotes having unashamed fun with friends and feeling your best!

Hot girl summer — a subversion to the patriarchy?

Regardless of what social media may portray in terms of appearance, HGS is not about conforming to a particular aesthetic; in fact, in its roots it is the complete opposite. It aims to create a space where women lift each other up and celebrate each other for who they are in all their unique and beautiful glory! HGS only becomes an anti-feminist concept when it is limited and defined by the very patriarchal requirements it aims to transgress.

Jasmine Aldridge

ARGUABLY, the coining of the term “Hot Girl Summer” is where the problem lies with the concept. The idea that women have to become “hot” in order to enjoy the summer season to the fullest is reductive and appears to cater to the male gaze too much.

Much like the female sports societies at Exeter opting to “dress for the boys” at socials, it warrants the wrong kind of attention. There is nothing wrong with acting or dressing a certain way to nab the man, but putting so much pressure on girls to conform to an idea of a transformation period is insanity.

Before TikTok properly caught on to the idea, it suggested changing one’s appearance (typically losing weight or appearing “prettier”) as well as adopting unhealthy habits so as to look better, all to feel attractive in a bikini around the pool. This version of Hot Girl Summer is dangerous for young girls, who are still physically and emotionally developing and are easily swayed by public opinion.

Exeter Pride cancelled

However, as of recently, new variations of this trend, such as Happy Girl Summer, are a much more sustainable way to enjoy the season. It involves maintaining selfconfidence, a carefree attitude, and following intuition, whether that be with sexual experiences or even eating habits. This is the trend I can happily get behind, as opposed to the pressures placed on girls to become slimmer and aim to seduce every man in sight (both of which are wonderful but the pedestal these are placed upon needs to go).

Women are inherently hot. There is no need to change the way you look or force yourself into summer flings if that’s just not your vibe. The changes to the definition of Hot Girl Summer are promising, I just hope that they convince young girls that you can be happy without being a size six with a boyfriend.

Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, discusses its impact on the queer community in Exeter and the south-west

IN late March, Exeter’s LGBTQ+ community received the disappointing news that, in spite of its much-celebrated return following a three-year COVID-induced hiatus last year, Exeter Pride would be cancelled in 2023. The organisers justified the decision in light of a lack of volunteer stewards and insufficient funds.

Although this reasoning was justified in practical terms by the cost-ofliving crisis, the decision remains devastating for Pride not just in Exeter, but across the south-west. Whilst major cosmopolitan cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester have had thriving Pride events for decades that have supported acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in these cities, there remains far too much room in provincial towns and cities, like Exeter, for homophobia to thrive. Pride is not just a one-day rainbow-themed party — it sends a poignant message of inclusivity and freedom, irrespective of sexuality and gender. There have been some belated attempts to replace the cancelled Exeter Pride with alternative celebrations, in- cluding the Rainbow Fayre at Exeter Phoenix last month and a series of events on campus to mark Pride Month last week. Although these were a huge success, they simply cannot achieve the same reach as Pride, with the latter confined to university students.

Every June, people inevitably question the purpose of Pride. The general perception is that, with the advent of gay marriage in 2013 and the general liberation of societal attitudes, LGBTQ+ people enjoy greater equality than ever, and Pride is relegated to nothing more than a party. Unfortunately, that could not be further from the truth. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes are rising at a record rate in the UK, and in March The Guardian reported that the Metropolitan Police was found to be institutionally homophobic. Trans people have become the main target in right-wing culture wars, cheered on by the media, and consequently, transphobic hate crimes increased 240 per cent from 2016 to 2022, most notably with the horrific killing of Brianna Ghey in February.

These are the reasons why Pride is still needed for LGBTQ+ communities across the world, including in Exeter, and why the cancellation of Exeter Pride last month was so devastating. Pride places ideals of freedom, acceptance, and inclusivity at the heart of the community, which is more important than ever in places like Exeter amidst rising homophobia and transphobia. Although we may have to wait longer than expected, the return of Exeter Pride in 2024 will be eagerly anticipated — and necessary.