Gemma Chan has criticised the patriarchal system, calling it “rubbish” and “bollocks”.
The 36-year-old actor, who plays Doctor Minerva in Marvel’s first female-led movie, Captain Marvel, is no stranger to fighting for what she believes in, particularly when it comes to sexism.
In 2018, the Crazy Rich Asians star attended the BAFTAs wearing a #TimesUp pin in solidarity with the movement.
She was one of a handful of actors who gave the campaign’s activists a voice by inviting Laura Bates – the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, an organisation which encourages victims of sexual harassment to share their experiences – to join her on the red carpet.
Now, starring on the cover of Glamour UK’s March digital issue, aptly titled #EverydayIsWomensDay, Chan has spoken out about her enduring mission to fight the patriarchy, saying: “It’s rubbish, it’s bollocks.”
The actor also called everyday sexism “bulls***”, revealing that her new role in Captain Marvel has led her to recall moments she has been treated unfairly based on her gender.
“I retweeted an article the other day about the winners of the Grammy Awards and it listed all the ages of the female nominees but it didn’t mention the men’s ages. That’s everyday sexism,” she told Glamour.
“When I talk to my friends, there are a number of times little things that happen throughout the day can build up. They can weigh you down and they can get on top of you. That is the sad and terrifying reality that many of us women and men have to face.”
Chan went on to explain how she believes it is important for men to get behind the cause too, explaining she doesn’t see the fight to achieve gender equality as a battle of the sexes.
“It’s about us working together to dismantle a system that is really oppressive to all of us,” she explained.
“It always really heartens me when a man does speak out not to just defend women but to make it clear they are an ally. It is so important...We can’t do it without bringing men along for the ride.”
Chan also revealed that she often receives a different line of questioning from her male co-stars during press interviews, explaining that female actors are often probed about their age.
“Is anyone going to ask Jude [Law] how he’s dealing with the ageing process? Actresses have to navigate this line of questioning every single day,” Chan said.
“Discussions around ageing have been a way of controlling women, making women feel insecure about ourselves and as if they aren’t adequate.
“We need to change things, especially in the beauty industry. The ageing process is going to happen to all of us – how are we going to deal with it? I think ‘anti-ageing’ is a prehistoric term.”
Despite the obstacles she faces, Chan insisted that she feels more empowered now than ever before, revealing she plans to continue to use her platform to speak out about things that matter to her.
“I think there are so many people who don’t have a voice and if there is anything I can do to help those who have less power than myself, then that’s something I have to try and do,” she said.
See the full feature in the March digital issue of GLAMOUR UK, available online now.
