--- ---  # 9 Feminist Takeaways From the VMAs by [TIME Staff](https://time.com/author/time-staff/) ## TIME Staff Aug 25, 2014 3:55 PM UTC  Singer Beyonce performs onstage during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 24, 2014 in Inglewood, California. Singer Beyonce performs onstage during the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 24, 2014 in Inglewood, California.Kevin Winter—Getty Images by [TIME Staff](https://time.com/author/time-staff/) ## TIME Staff Aug 25, 2014 3:55 PM UTC **Feminism Doesn’t Mean ‘Man-Hater’** In fact, what it actually means is: the belief that all genders should be equal to each other politically, economically and socially. Thank you, Beyoncé. **Female Breadwinners Are Amazing** A Tumblr blogger put it best: “If Jay Z can support Beyonce’s stance on feminism and not feel threatened by it and cheer on her work with their daughter in his arms then ya’ll motherf\*\*\*\*\*s ain’t got no excuses.” Amen. **Gender Parity: It’s Possible!** The ladies took home [10 of 16 of the awards](http://www.thewrap.com/mtv-vma-winners-2014-complete-list/), or a whopping 63%. **You Can Use Fashion to Declare Your Independence** Katy Perry and RiFF RAFF [dressed as early 00s power couple Britney Spears and Justin Timberlak](http://time.com/3170557/vmas-2014-katy-perry-riff-raff-britney-justin/)e on the red carpet. Even though it was a couple’s costume, Perry basically used the jean-clad rapper as a prop to state her independence while playing with [rumors](http://www.tmz.com/2014/03/26/riff-raff-ass-thong-katy-perry-video-dating/) about her dating life. **Women Can** **_Support_** **Each Other** It was notable to hear Lorde introduce Taylor Swift as her “friend;” for Demi Lovato to tweet that she loves Nicki Minaj; to see female artists collaborating rather than tearing each other down. God I love [@NICKIMINAJ](https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) — Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) [August 25, 2014](https://twitter.com/ddlovato/status/503723544212426752?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) **Ladies Are Multifaceted, Get Over It** Yep, they can call themselves feminists and do it in a bodysuit. **Embrace the Female Badass** The best presenters of the night were Laverne Cox, Taylor Schilling and Uzo Aduba from _Orange Is the New Black,_ who compared the competitive world of the VMAs to the all women’s prison on their show. **Women Can Rock Out, Too** While announcing the award for Best Rock Video, presenter Trey Songz said — in an eye-roll moment— that “even a lady \[was\] in the mix.” Well that lady was Lorde, and she was the first woman to ever win in that category. Besides, it’s not like Trey Songz was nominated for anything. **Being a Mom is Empowering** Beyoncé’s tribute to her adorable daughter brought the diva — and likely the entire audience — to tears. Count motherhood among Beyoncé’s many achievements. Women, having it all: check! 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