5 Ways Shonda Rhimes Is the *Queen* of Equality

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes, who could be called the goddess of representation in television, is a total and complete queen when it comes to equality and social justice. Since Grey's Anatomy's 2005 debut, she's been killing it with shows like Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder, representing queer characters of all shapes, sizes, races, genders, and ages. Her characters are fully-realized, flawed, and exactly what we mean when we say we're looking for representation in mainstream television.

What really places Rhimes on another level is that she’s just as devoted to equality off screen as she is on. Her tweets are fire, destroying anyone with dehumanizing, gross opinions who dares step in her path. And rightfully so. People come at her with some weird comments sometimes, as if they’ve forgotten who the eff she is – and what she’s all about.

Rhimes is an award winning master of suspense who knows how to kill off all of your favorite characters – no matter which show makes your life – but she’s also an expert at how to support and uplift marginalized communities. LGBT people will always appreciate her willingness to speak up and step forward, and to using her craft to give voice to people who are so often stripped of their voices in mainstream media.

Shonda Rhimes, your fans remain dedicated and true, no matter how many characters you kill off and how many times you break their hearts (because, boy, do you know how to break a heart).

Here are five ways she's stood up for equality. 

1. 

On the recent transphobic and homophobic bills taking over the country and making it impossible for people to pee.

2. 

3. 

Let’s talk about feminism, baby. If anyone knows how to craft an independent woman, it’s this lady.

4.

And it’s nothing new. She’s been an ally for years now. It’s not just a trend for Rhimes. It’s a reality – diversity matters, and people deserve respect.

5.

This is what being an ally really looks like.