Beyoncé Knowles: I’m a new feminist

Beyoncé Knowles is a 'modern-day feminist'.

The music star is known for releasing empowering songs during her career, both with Destiny’s Child and as a solo artist. Although Beyoncé oozes confidence and professionalism, she is sometimes reluctant to be labelled a feminist. She doesn’t like being categorised as any one thing, insisting women can have many layers to their personality.

'That word can be very extreme...,' she told the latest UK edition of Vogue when asked if she considers herself a feminist. 'But I guess I am a modern-day feminist. I do believe in equality. Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself anything? I’m just a woman and I love being a woman. If you’re attractive then you can’t be sexy, and you can’t be intelligent? What is all of that?…'

Beyoncé, who is married to hip-hop star Jay-Z, continues to fight against stereotypes of gender roles. The 31-year-old star believes you can be a good mother and wife, while also enjoying a successful career. Giving birth to her daughter Blue Ivy in January last year revealed another purpose to her life.

'I do believe in equality and that we have a way to go and it's something that's pushed aside and something that we have been conditioned to accept. But I'm happily married. I love my husband,' she explained. 'I feel like Mrs Carter is who I am, but more bold and more fearless than I've ever been.

'It comes from knowing my purpose and really meeting myself once I saw my child. I was like, ‘OK, this is what you were born to do.’ The purpose of my body became completely different.'

Beyoncé also spoke about the prospect of Blue Ivy following in the footsteps of her famous parents.

The star would never stop her child from following her dreams, and hopes she will find happiness.

'I definitely want my daughter to have goals and drive and passion - it has to be a balance,' she said. 'I hope she figures it out. Whatever makes her happy, I’m there. I do feel like I’m going to be honest with my daughter.'