‘How to Get Away with Murder’ Star Matt McGorry and ‘The Walking Dead’ Star Steven Yeun Talk Gender Equality

In celebration of Sheryl Sandberg’s 2nd anniversary guest-editing the Careers section of Cosmopolitan, the magazine asked a variety of men from a variety of industries, including How to Get Away with Murder’s Matt McGorry and The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun, to read her book Lean In and give their opinions, but beware, the results may make you fall in love.

The subject of women’s rights and equality has been a hot topic in Hollywood lately, from the Sony leaks that proved women are paid less than their male counterparts, to the red carpet movement that begs reporters not to ask actresses who they’re wearing, to Emma Watson’s #HeforShe campaign. Women are always speaking out for women’s rights, so it’s interesting to get the opinions of men who may or may not have had strong opinions on the matter in the past.

How to Get Away with Murder and Orange is the New Black star Matt McGorry credits the book with helping him identify himself as a feminist. “A close female friend is starting her own company. She’s struggling to find female mentors … or male mentors who want to help her and not ask her out. I had no idea how to help her. It’s insane to me that reading this book was the first time I understood the definition of feminism. It simply means the equality of men and women. I identify as a feminist now.” said the actor.

The Walking Dead‘s Steven Yeun has even had to correct his higher-ups on occasion, when they’ve underestimated the strength of the show’s female characters. “Our show asks for a lot of toughness that typically isn’t assumed or expected of a woman. I had one interaction with a director once, where I was told to protect a female character. I was like, ‘No, I’m not. Why would I be protecting her? She can protect herself.’ Women don’t need saving all the time. All the women on our show are badasses, and they can protect themselves.” revealed Yeun.

The magazine also spoke with The Today Show’s Willie Geist, and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, among others.

You can read more of what these gentlemen had to say about women’s rights in the April issue of Cosmopolitan on stands 3/10.

Photo Credit:Credit: Ben Watts/Cosmopolitan