Happy Women’s History Month to all the real ones who hold it down

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Happy Women’s History Month to all the real ones who hold it down. The women who show up, speak up and do not fold just because it would be easier to stay quiet. Women’s History Month is not about cute graphics with pink filters or surface-level empowerment. It’s about honoring the women who make womanhood feel safer, stronger and more supported.

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No too long ago, I got into a debate with someone. Not a conversation, but a debate. The topic was about how women should be able to want love and security without being shamed for it. And I was speaking my mind and in full support of this truth.

Then, in the middle of our debate, this person said, “You’re just a girl’s girl.”

Now, I don’t know if this was supposed to be an insult. But, baby, calling me a girl’s girl is the biggest compliment I could have received. Because “girl’s girl” is not just a trending phrase. It is not a buzzword, and it is definitely not something you say just because it sounds good.

Being a girl's girl is a core value; it's a way of life.  

A girl’s girl does not just say, “Hey, sis!” in comments on Instagram and then scroll away. She does not host a brunch gathering for the sole purpose of taking photos and calling it community. A girl’s girl does not use women empowerment as branding while quietly competing with the same women she claims to support.

My definition of a girl’s girl is someone who uplifts and pours into other women—both on and off the screen. She shows up with support when nobody is watching and when there is no audience. A girl’s girl gives even when there is nothing to gain. She is the woman who checks in privately, celebrates loudly and protects softly.

You can always tell who the real girl's girls is.  

She’s the one who naturally feels like a safe space. Sisters do not mind opening up to her. Stories come out without fear. Vulnerability feels respected. There is no weird energy, no silent competition and no side-eye disguised as support. There is only understanding.

It’s like when Whitney Houston, arguably the greatest voice of all time, showed up and showed out for Angela Bassett when she won an award, some decades back, for her role in one of my favorite movies. At the ceremony, Whitney celebrated Angela like she had won. She shouted. She clapped. She erupted with pride. No hesitation, no ego—just joy.

That is real confidence.  

Being so secure in who you are that you do not need to dominate every space. Instead, you elevate every space. That is girl’s girl energy at its highest level.

So, yeah, if standing on all ten toes for other women, believing women deserve more and protecting women choices makes me a girl’s girl…then I will hold it down and wear that title proudly.

Loudly and forever.

A portrait of Mahogany Writing Community contributing writer Shy Taylor.

Shy Taylor is a TV personality, host and correspondent seen on E!, VH1, REVOLT Black News and Baller Alert. Based in Los Angeles, she is a force to be reckoned with using her voice, presence and storytelling to inspire others to unlock their fullest potential.