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Roxane Gay on inequality and those left behind

CBS News asked noted figures in the arts, business and politics about their experience in today's civil rights movement, or about figures who inspired them in their activism.

Roxane Gay, author ("An Untamed State," "Bad Feminist: Essays"); columnist, Salon; Named one of 25 Women Poised to Lead the Culture by Flavorwire

Is there something that you'd like to share about your personal connection to civil rights issues?

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Courtesy Roxane Gay

I want to see more voter enfranchisement; more black political leaders who are materially interested in creating change; equal access to educational and employment opportunities for black people across the whole of their lives; parity in compensation across racial lines; more robust and diverse representation in popular culture (books, television, films); more respect for the black female body; more healthcare research funding directed to the medical issues uniquely faced by black populations; and on and on the list goes. We are left behind in so many ways.

Looking beyond race, I would like to see marriage equality in all 50 states in this lifetime, and I would certainly like to see women treated as human beings with bodily autonomy by our legislators and the Supreme Court.

I want it all. We all should.

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