I always planned on taking my future husband’s last name. I never gave it much thought. My mother, my biggest role model and devoted feminist, took my father’s last name. It’s just what women are supposed to do, right? Not so much.
After deeper thought, I want to be part of this revolution. Why should I have to change my identity to fit a tired social standard? I don’t say this to criticize any woman’s choice to take her husband’s last name — my mother, and so many other female role models of mine, have done so, and I have nothing but respect and love for them. I only say this to encourage other young women to think more about why they might change their last names.
As a young woman and feminist, I think I owe myself — and my identity for more than 20 years — more thought than simply “it’s the norm.”
— Helen Swidenbank, Chicago
