Financial Independence
Achieving true visibility and equality for queer women starts with fundamentals: financial independence. It’s not just about accumulating wealth—it’s about creating the freedom to live authentically, make choices on your own terms, and refuse to compromise your values, time, or energy for anyone or anything unworthy of them.
Money is a tool of empowerment. When queer women have financial power, we gain the ability to live unapologetically and also gain influence to shape how we are treated as a community.
For many women (primarily straight or bisexual women), dating someone who earns more can feel like the “safe” option. But safety that comes from reliance is not the same as freedom. Financial independence enables us to choose partners based on compatibility, not necessity, and to live lives rooted in autonomy and confidence.
The statistics are sobering. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, full-time, year-round working women in the U.S. earn just 84 cents for every dollar earned by men. When part-time or seasonal workers are included, that number drops to 78 cents. For queer women, who will end up dating women, this pay gap underscores the urgency of taking control of our financial futures.
Building financial independence isn’t just a practical choice; it’s an act of empowerment. When we see money as a tool to shape our lives, we’re more likely to prioritize financial education, advocate for fair compensation, and invest in our growth.
The impact is transformative. Financial literacy and independence lead to increased visibility, freedom, and power for queer women. It’s not about materialism; it’s about creating a world where we have the resources, confidence, and opportunities to thrive fully as ourselves.
I am linking a few of my favorite Instagram handles for increasing my financial literacy passively:
@your.richbff: Insightful and relatable advice to help you build wealth.
@mrsdowjones: Financial literacy with a fresh, approachable twist.
@girlsthatinvest: A community dedicated to empowering women through investing.
I would also recommend scheduling a free appointment with a financial institution such as Charles Schwab, Etrade, or Fidelity. The best way to learn IMO is to ask questions, so don’t be afraid to start from ground zero if you’re new to investing. I’d recommend researching the S&P500 and Mutual Funds independently before speaking to an advisor so you know what types of questions to ask.
The journey to financial freedom is all about claiming your power and shaping a future where you call the shots.
