Books

11 Politically Outspoken Female Authors On Twitter

by Sadie Trombetta
John Phillips/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

It seems now more than ever, we are inundated on social media by people expressing their strong opinions, political or otherwise. It's crucial, especially in the wake of November's presidential election where so many of us feel victim to the comfort of our own Facebook echo chambers, to expose ourselves to opposing opinions — but it's also nice to know that there are some badass politically outspoken female authors on Twitter you should be following who feel exactly the same way about the world you do.

Authors more than any other kind of celebrity have always been outspoken about politics and their world views. Whether through their books, stories, and poetry or in newspaper op-eds, interviews, and speeches, authors in general haven't been shy about sharing their feelings about everything from the government to civil rights to war and so much more. Now that social media is a part of everyday life, writers have yet another medium to share not only their work with their fans, but their political opinions and personal beliefs. A powerful way of sharing, inspiring, encouraging, and validating their fans own beliefs, authors who share their opinions on Twitter and Facebook are a great reminder that no one can afford to be silent. Not now, not ever.

If you can't get enough politics, but you want a bookish twist to your daily dose of liberal love, here are 11 active female authors on Twitter you should be following. Let the retweeting commence.

1J.K. Rowling

The queen of shutting down online haters, J.K. Rowling is the one person you should be following on Twitter. Rowling uses her Twitter account to answer fan questions, share Harry Potter news, and, of course, take down Donald Trump. She's fun, sassy, and shares a lot of great activist news for anyone looking for positivity in their feed.

2Roxane Gay

Outspoken feminist author Roxane Gay isn't shy in her writing, and she isn't shy on Twitter, either. Most recently, she has used her account to talk about the Milo Yiannopoulos controversy, noting that Simon & Schuster's decision to cancel his book deal was "a business decision" and not a moral choice. Never afraid to tell it straight, Gay's account is great for readers and aspiring writers who want to see how a successful author thinks (at least, online.)

3Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman might be known for writing sweet YA novels, her Twitter account leaves the romance to the books. Blunt and honest, Forman uses her social media platform to share not only her opinion, but great news stories you might have otherwise missed.

4Jessica Bennett

The author of Feminist Fight Club, Jessica Bennett is one author every woman should be following online. Sharp, smart, and funny, Bennett's account will inspire, enrage, and make you laugh all at once.

5Jennifer Weiner

Described in her own profile as "Novelist, feminist," Jennifer Weiner makes it clean online and off what her personal beliefs are. And inspiring writer who isn't afraid to stand up for her fellow women or her Jewish community, Weiner's account is a dose of honesty worth scrolling through.

6Jacqueline Woodson

An honest account that celebrates motherhood, womanhood, black culture, and resistance, Jacqueline Woodson's Twitter is a great place to look for inspiration and hope. You know, just like her actual writing.

7Malinda Lo

On Malinda Lo's Twitter, you'll find everything from book and event announcements, conversations around diversity, and even honest talk about mental health and creativity. Her Tweets are personal and honest, and often reflect exactly what new activists and frustrated resistors are thinking, which can be reassuring for anyone feeling lost, confused, or stuck.

8Andi Zeisler

Hilarious, blunt, and pro-feminist, author and Bitch Media cofounder Andi Zeisler's Twitter account reads like her writing: funny, honest, and relatable.

9Porochista Khakpour

An Iranian-American refugee herself, author Porochista Khakpour doesn't pull any punches when sharing her opinions about the Muslim ban or any of the new administrations other questionably racists orders. A frequent user, there's always something new and poignant to see on her account.

10Jessica Valenti

Feminist author and columnist Jessica Valenti holds nothing back on her Twitter account. Timely, opinionated, and at times funny, Valenti's account is a good mix of news, cultural criticism, and feminist humor, all rolled up into one.

11Luvvie Ajayi

The comedic author of I'm Judging You, a laugh-out-loud manual that was recently picked up by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers' Shondaland to be developed into a comedy series, Luvvie Ajayi is hilarious wherever she is, but especially on Twitter. A fun account that doesn't shy away from making fun of (while criticizing) American politics, Ajayi's Twitter will bring a smile to your face, and maybe even inspire your next protest sign.