ICYMI Why The Internet Is Arguing About Its Favorite Feminist
Mar 21, 2026
Scaachi Koul, Slate senior writer known for sharp cultural reporting, discusses profiling Lindy West and the fierce online fallout. Conversations cover West’s memoir, public reactions to her polyamorous relationship, heated emails from partners, and how confessional writing collides with today’s social media scrutiny.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Formative Confessional Voice Raises Stakes
- Lindy West built her career on confessional feminism writing that shaped a millennial generation's view of feminism.
- That history makes her polyamory revelation especially combustible because longtime readers feel personally invested in her life choices.
Public Video Ignited Instant Backlash
- The 2022 Style Like You video publicly revealed Lindy, Aham, and Roya's polyamory and triggered intense backlash.
- Viewers projected judgments about bodies, attraction, and power because Roya is straight-sized and Lindy is plus-sized, fueling accusations against Aham.
Messy Origin Undermines Narrative Authority
- Adult Braces recounts a messy origin for their polyamory, including Lindy learning of Aham's outside relationships via a fan DM.
- That origin story undermines reader trust because Lindy frames harm yet asks readers to forgive.
