Roxane Gay's "Bad Feminist" discusses Judith Butler's influential work "Gender Trouble" and its relevance in today's understanding of gender. Gay highlights that despite the evolution of gender concepts, Butler's theories remain significant, particularly regarding the performance of femininity. Women often navigate societal expectations of gender roles, sometimes unconsciously adhering to these norms.

Furthermore, Gay emphasizes the tension women experience due to these gender expectations. They may feel constrained by the need to conform to idealized notions of femininity, indicating that the performance of gender can lead to both empowerment and restriction. This duality reflects the complexities of modern feminism and the continuing dialogue about identity and performance in society.