Ashley Judd: Millennials Need Someone Like You

I first met Ashley Judd in the film Someone Like You, a classic '90s rom-com I rented solely for the purpose of watching Hugh Jackman parade around on my 20’’ television. I was entertained for a full 97 minutes then went about my business, none the wiser.

That is, until last April, when Judd’s kick-ass article attacking the harsh criticism she was receiving about the radius of her face hit the internet. 

“The assault on our body image, the hypersexualization of girls and women and subsequent degradation of our sexuality as we walk through the decades, and the general incessant objectification is what this conversation allegedly about my face is really about.”

Okay Ashley, keep talking. 

And she has. From that point on, Judd has on my radar. I watched as she continued to kick some sexist tush by appearing on shows like Access Hollywood Live and The Today Show, all demanding an end to a culture in which "conversation about women happens everywhere ... our faces and bodies analyzed and picked apart ... our voices, our personhood, our potential, and our accomplishments are regularly minimized and muted."

From there, I learn Judd is not only an awesome feminist, but has been active in both political and social arenas since the early 2000s. A sparknotes version of her resume would feature her support of organizations like Women for Women International, Enough Project, Hope for Congo, Population Services International, as well as her position as the global spokesperson for YouthAIDS international. And let's not forget her involvement in Obama's campaigns. 

Somehow, on top of all this Judd still has time to keep making movies. 

Anyway, in last few months rumors have been circulating about whether or not Judd will have a new part to play, that of senator for her home state of Kentucky. After weeks of speculation, Judd announced last week on her Twitter: “After serious and thorough contemplation ... I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate ... Thanks for even considering me as that person & know how much I love our Commonwealth. Thank you!"

So now the question remains: What will Judd do next? 

The answer: Exactly what she’s already doing. (Also, this is happening.)

From her fight to end AIDS to her strident feminism, Judd doesn’t need politics to be heard. Carry on Ashley.

 (...And if you decide to make another movie with Hugh Jackman, I wouldn’t be mad.)