Villains Disguised as Allies: Protecting yourself from performative allyship

In this episode of Feminine Formidable, Sarah Williams and Kira Fonteneau start with holiday party anxiety (what if nobody shows up?! 😅) and end up unpacking Wicked, racism, fake allies, and why the workplace is almost never a true “safe space.”

Using the new Wicked movie as a jumping-off point, they ask:

What happens when the person who says they care about you benefits from your oppression, stays quiet when you’re attacked, or only “supports” you when it costs them nothing? That’s Glinda energy - and Kira breaks down exactly how that shows up in real life, from city council meetings to corporate offices.

If you’re a young professional, especially a Black woman navigating mostly white or “liberal” spaces, this one is for you.

🗣 In this episode, we talk about:

The fear of throwing a party…and nobody coming 😂

Holiday burnout, skeleton crews at work, and learning to actually rest

Why Kira’s family does Christmas trips instead of Christmas gifts

The Wicked movie, Elphaba as the truth-teller, and why “Glinda is the villain”

Fake allies vs real friends: people who smile in your face but stay silent when you’re under attack

Hoover City Council, Dearborn, Islamophobia, and how open racism has become socially acceptable again

How kids are hearing racist, homophobic, xenophobic nonsense at school—and what that says about adults

Why work is not a safe space and why you shouldn’t bring your “whole self” to the office

How to recognize the “Glindas” at work and protect yourself

When to clap back on the job (public disrespect, credit-stealing, attacks on your work) vs when the juice isn’t worth the squeeze

The trap of wanting to be “popular” more than being good or principled

💼 For our young professionals & workers:

You’ll hear practical, real-talk advice on:

Setting boundaries with coworkers who aren’t really your friends

Navigating microaggressions without burning yourself out

Understanding how “nice” people can still be complicit in discrimination

Protecting your peace and your career at the same time

⚠️ Disclaimer:
Nothing in this episode is legal advice. Every situation is different. If you think you’re experiencing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, talk to a qualified employment lawyer in your area.

💕 Stay connected with Feminine Formidable:
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Drop your questions or workplace stories in the comments — your question might show up in a future episode.

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