Judith Butler.

Gloria Steinhem.

Betty Friedan.

Channing Tatum.

We know what you're thinking: 'How has The Vow actor and hip-thrusting extraordinaire, Channing Tatum, got anything to do with some of the world's most eminent philosophical thinkers about the female condition, gender theories and feminism?'

Magic Mike Channing Tatum | ELLE UKpinterest
Getty Images

Well, it appears the 37-year-old hearthrob actually has a lot to say about the role of women in society and the need to conform to gendered stereotypes of sexual behaviour.

Let's just say Channing gets deep, like Magic Mike body ripple kind of deep.

In honor of the opening of 'Magic Mike Live' in Las Vegas last month, the 21 Jump Street star penned an open letter to his three-year-old daughter, Everly, with actress Jenna Dewan-Tatum, – published in Cosmopolitan – revealing his hopes, fears and musings about women's empowerment.

And, you know what? It's actually pretty good.

instagramView full post on Instagram

Admitting he wants his child to find her 'authentic self' regardless of society's expectations or prejudices, the Step Up star first explains why he felt the need to write such an emotive letter to his toddler.

'I tried to imagine the things I'd want her to read that would help her understand men and sex and partnership better, and at that moment, I realized a strange thing,' he writes.

'I don't want her looking to the outside world for answers. My highest hope for her is just that she has the fearlessness to always be her authentic self, no matter what she thinks men want her to be,' he added.

Turning his attention towards the expectations society puts on men and women in terms of their gender and sexuality, Tatum – who recently opened up about the moment he fell in love with his wife – also revealed his dreams for womankind.

Channing and Jenna Dewan-Tatum | ELLE UKpinterest
Getty Images

'We live in a society that has trained men and women to play certain kinds of roles for a long time, and the beauty of this amazing moment we're living in is that we're finally starting to break free from those roles,' he wrote.

My highest hope for her is just that she has the fearlessness to always be her authentic self, no matter what she thinks men want her to be

'Women, especially, are realising that they no longer have to conform to certain standards of social and sexual behavior, and this changes what they need from men and the role of men in general.

'So, I guess if there's one thing that I think men wish women knew, it's just that they alone are enough. When more women start to truly feel this power in themselves, the world will become so magical, it makes my head hurt,' he added.

Give us a moment while we get our breath back.

Headshot of Katie O'Malley
Katie O'Malley
Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.