The Matrilennial Movement

Acknowledging the deep-seated societally accepted beliefs that have, historically, kept women in a conditioned place of lesser power.

- Leveling the playing field, balancing the world. -

It is no secret, the power of women. We bear children. We have strong opinions, passions, and intelligence. And yet we have been given a position of “lesser” throughout history.

Some use religious texts as justification, or use other means of control. And although we are now at least acknowledging these inequal beliefs worldwide, oppression and female-oppressive belief systems remain in many parts of the world, even in the areas that claim to be “equalizing.” Certain practices remain that have yet to be changed or addressed because they are considered “tradition.”

And yet these practices still permeate our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves. For example: blue for boys, pink for girls; dresses for girls, pants for boys; the “wear-something-less-tempting” attitudes that give boys an easy way out from taking responsibility for actual actions.

But one that has yet to be readily addressed is the topic of our patrilineal last names.

Even with overcoming traditional roles and working to overcome discrimination, sexism, and systemic oppression, imbalances, and traditions, the root of who we are is still largely tied to our name. And, for us, as women, this most often means either the name of our father or our husband. Even when taking our mother’s surname, it is her father’s name that she passes along.

The Matrilennial Movement seeks to acknowledge and support women, nonbinary individuals, and men who, in an act of balance, seek to change this practice by birthing a generation of individuals, ongoing, who, instead, elect to CHOOSE their female/nonbinary surname rather than automatically adopt the name of their patrilineal forefathers or male spouses.

This movement does not seek to disrespect men; rather, this is a movement that desires participants to be doing so for reasons of recapturing self, promoting equality, and rebalancing. We want to even out the playing field and show our daughters that women are equally as important, in every aspect of our society.

Contact me if you are interested in being a part of this movement or if you need assistance with a name change.