Zondag 3 mei 2026 — Editie #3

RainbowNews

The global platform for LGBTQ+ news, analysis and stories. Independent and inclusive.

NederlandsUKGlobalDeutschFrançaisEspañolBrasilAsia-PacificLatinoamérica
Politics

Feminist: we need more complainers, not fewer

Researcher Sara Ahmed believes organizations must pay more attention to complainers. They help bring institutional problems to light.

RainbowNews EditorialApril 17, 20263 min read
···

According to feminist researcher Sara Ahmed, people must complain more. Not less. She sees complaints as valuable resistance in organizations. Whether LGBTQ communities, universities, or government agencies.

Ahmed says complainers have an important role. They point out problems that would go unnoticed. Many institutions see complaining as annoying. This must change, the researcher says. Complainers help organizations become better. They dare speak what others stay silent about.

The feminist emphasizes this especially for marginalized groups. Gay and lesbian and transgender people traditionally had fewer chances. Complaints challenge power in institutions. Ahmed sees complainers as necessary, not problematic.

It is not always pleasant to hear complaints. But Ahmed argues that is the point. If you are comfortable, nothing changes. Organizations that want real inclusion must take complaints seriously. And not try to silence complainers.

RE

RainbowNews Editorial

Editor

Part of the RainbowNews editorial team.

Meer van deze auteur →

More in Politiek