Okay, Ladies, Now Let’s Get in Formation: Intersectional Feminism in Beyoncé’s Lemonade

Abstract

The surprise release of Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade sparked heated debate, praise, and critique nationwide; however, the central focus of the debate has not been academic. Paparazzi and followers of celebrity gossip fixated on one fragment of the album: infidelity in Beyoncé’s marriage with Jay-Z. A manhunt for “Becky with the good hair” ensued, but little has been said analytically on the composition and meaning behind this album. To fill this gap of academic discussion, this research essay explores a core theme of Lemonade: intersectional feminism. This concept is explored through analysis of Beyoncé’s song lyrics, examining the work of black artists involved in the production of Lemonade, and interpretation of some of the visual elements of Lemonade. Mainstream media and mainstream feminism lack intersectionality—meaning feminism which fights for and includes all types of women. Intersectionality is lacking in feminism due to the biggest names associated with feminism in the celebrity world being white, heterosexual women: Taylor Swift and Emma Watson being examples. Beyoncé’s visual album combines lyrics, poetry, cinematography, costuming, and more to confront the lack of intersectionality in mainstream feminism, and to celebrate feminism for black women.