Intersectionality is the acknowledgement that everyone has their own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression and we must recognize all aspects of one’s identity that can marginalize people. These aspects may include gender, race, class, sexual orientation, and physical ability. Intersectionality can also be described as the concept that all oppression is linked.
Resources
This video from The Advocate explains what intersectionality is and explores how understanding the complexity of our identities and intentionally including marginalized identities is the only way to fight oppression.
This article about misogynoir describes the unique discrimination black women face.
We all have intersecting identities. In this short video from #RaceAnd, social justice educator and musician Sonny Singh shares what navigating the world is like for him as a South Asian, turban-wearing, Sikh man – who also holds some positions of privilege.
Check out this article from Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term ‘intersectionality’.
Reflection and Response
After learning about intersectionality, how does your understanding of the complex nature of marginalization change?
What is your personal experience with intersectionality and how it shapes your own experience?