STEDMAN GRAHAM: AN UNSUNG FEMINIST HERO

I’m going to make a radical statement here: Stedman Graham is a feminist hero. First of all you’re probably wondering who this Stedman guy is, just the partner to one of the most powerful women alive – Oprah Winfrey. But a man, a feminist? That’s right feminism is a one size fits all term and maybe the only club you can get into with just one question: Do you believe all people should be treated equally? Congratulations, you’re in! But let’s not loose sight of the man of the hour. As any boss lady knows it can be tough to find a guy who finds your independent spirit enduring rather than intimidating. Stedman is the gold standard for partners of career ladies. Let me explain:

His ego isn’t bruised because her paycheque is bigger than hers. The phrase is “Oprah rich” not “Stedman rich” and he’s just fine with that.  While Oprah is off concurring the broadcasting world and more recently running her OWN Network he’s happy to pursue his own passions in business, public speaking and educational writing. Oprah’s estimated net worth as of 2016 rings in at $3 billion with Stedman coming in at a respectable $10 million. Both successful in their own right, Stedman doesn’t try to use her success to bolster his own projects, nor does he look to her to keep him in a lifestyle to which he’s become accustomed. Their careers are separate and they are equally happy to be a source of support and celebrate each other’s achievements.

There’s nothing stronger than the bond between two best friends, and any girl can attest that the relationship you have with your bestie although not romantic does have its own kind of intimacy. Oprah Winfrey & Gayle King are best friends, they have been by each other’s side for forty years and four phone calls a day. She was there before Stedman and she’ll surely be around after and he respects that. Both women of colour, tackling an industry that at the beginning of their career was not welcoming, they are able to identify with the unique struggles their careers bring. They’ve been through it all together and come out on top; nothing can tear them apart.  Stedman is not threatened by their relationship – he knows who the real power couple is here.

With a solid thirty year relationship under their belt and even a 25 year (and counting) engagement you’d think Stedman would be eager to tie the knot. But being the forward thinker he is he understands that a piece of paper does not solidify their commitment to each other, instead they continue to forge a partnership based on mutual respect (and hey, it must be working). Over the years Stedman has been satisfied to sit back and watch his woman pursue her dreams whatever they may be. From broadcasting, to acting, to philanthropy he knows there’s nothing she can’t do if she sets her mind to it. Rather than being jealous of her success or trying to harness it for his own means however he’s simply happy to be along for the ride and support her every step of the way.

In conclusion Oprah & Stedman are basically #relationshipgoals. Now all you boss ladies repeat after me:
I don’t need a steady man, I just need a Stedman!