I would definitely consider myself a fangirl. I tend to gravitate towards fictional characters, but there are definitely a few celebrities that I would not be able to form words around.

I love when I enter a new fandom and get to learn more about different characters and headcanons (this is often something that fandom believes to be true, but is not proven or stated in original media).

People may not know this about me, but my favorite superhero is Batman. I have always had an attachment to his character, and I have learned a lot about him through the different media I have consumed.

I know some of the basics like how he became Batman and he has four sons. I have also learned some of the more obscure facts like the fact that he has had one female Robin.

However, I do not know everything. I have only read a few comics, and most of the media I view tends to be the older animated shows and movies.

But I am a true fan because I love the character. I do not need to know everything.

Not everyone believes this statement though. Sometimes when people (especially women) are fans of something, other people (typically men) will make them “prove it.” And if they do not know everything, then they are a “fake” fan.

No one has to prove anything to be a fan.

New fans exist, casual fans exist. However, instead of welcoming everyone into a fandom, people seem to think that there has to be a certain level of knowledge needed to be considered a fan.

I think this is ridiculous. We do not owe anyone anything. I can be a fan of something and only have minimal knowledge on the subject. I can love Batman without having knowledge about every aspect of his story.

Someone like a band without being able to name every single member off the top of their head. We attend a concert without knowing every lyric from the early parts of their career.

Why must we prove ourselves as fans?

So the next time someone asks you to prove you’re a fan of something, just say “no thank you.” Instead of making someone prove themselves, maybe share why you love something or someone.

I think the fandom world would be a lot better if we all just found joy in our shared interest, rather than making people feel bad for not knowing as much.