Where Are the Female Libertarians? Allison Gibbs on the Ladies of Liberty Alliance

From Ayn Rand to Isabel Paterson, some of the most important figures in the modern movement for liberty have been women. So why aren't there more female libertarians today?

Reason.tv's Tim Cavanaugh sat down with Allison Gibbs, founder and executive director of the the Ladies of Liberty Alliance, at the Libertopia festival in Hollywood, California. Gibbs says that, although the pretentious and argumentative nature of the libertarian movement has been a turn off to women, she is optimistic about the future. She points out that LOLA is growing rapidly and notes that libertarianism is especially popular among young women.

Approximately 6 minutes.

Camera by Zach Weissmueller and Adam Hawk Jensen. Edited by Paul Detrick. Music is "Need Some Glue" by Fresh Body Shop (Magnatune Records).

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[quietstormprod]

I think its b/c many women are too emotional and have a hard time separating emotion and logic/reason. It takes them longer to see what the issue really is and how to fix it in the most correct way b/c they are too emotionally involved in it. Also, many just don't see the correlation between personal life and politics/economics/social issues/etc. But this is all just based on what i've come in contact with. This is def not 100% fact.

[gunsandbullhorns]

I always say, "Women aren't born libertarians — It takes smart men to make them that way".

Maybe I'll get proved wrong. Who knows...

[fountainherz]

its because libertarianism is oppressive to women 

[prettyfits]

@rawtheekuh Thank you for this comment! I'm was becoming interested in libertarianism but if male libertarians think so lowly of women then I want no part of it.

[rawtheekuh]

Most women don't like to identify as libertarians because of patronizing, sexist attitudes from male libertarians like the ones expressed in the comments.

[WizardKing78]

Women, more than men, are much more economically dependant on others. It should come as no surprise that they tend to support the empowerment of the ultimate provider; the state.

[chicago618]

@gunsandbullhorns with the ^ "I always say, "Women aren't born libertarians — It takes smart men to make them that way".

[gunsandbullhorns]

@chicago618

Agree with what?

[chicago618]

@gunsandbullhorns Yeah I agree

[666or999]

@gunsandbullhorns Noone is born with political beliefs.

[episkipos]

@jetrpg22 the original comment was not a thoughtful comment, gave it all the thought it deserved.

[quietstormprod]

@Berelore Thanks for posting your comment! ... and yes, it wasn't anything against women, shoot, I am one. hahahaha. glad we share the same sentiment on this. like i said in my initial comment, my opinion/view is based on observation and experience...not complete fact.