Intersectionality:
How Identity Impacts Us
September 2, 2020  by E​she Lovely ​

Intersectionality. This word was coined by Kimberlé Creshaw in 1989, and is now becoming more incorporated into our vocabulary. What does it mean? Why does it even matter? Intersectionality is the idea that social categories intersect and contribute to the level of oppression or discrimination people face. To put it simply, the identifiers we use to describe ourselves- race, ethnicity, gender identity, ability, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, nationality, and many more- affect our experiences every day. For example, I am an able-bodied African American and Ghanaian woman (these are only a few of my many identifiers). A disabled African American woman would face a different form of discrimination than me, not because of her race or gender identity, but because of her ability.
To gain a better understanding of this concept, reflect on your own identity. Take a moment to write down the identifiers that affect you the most. What is your race, gender identity, religion, sexuality, etc.? Which aspects of your identity have caused you to be discriminated against? What systems are you oppressed by? Now try comparing your identifiers with a friend. You’ll realize that despite how similar you may be, your experiences in life are different because of your different identifiers.
The term intersectionality is mostly used when discussing feminism. This is because Kimberlé Creshaw included the term in her paper “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics”. It is evident that some feminists have forgotten to include women of color and other marginalized groups in their activism. A perfect example of this is when white women in America were given the right to vote in August of 1920. The majority of black women were still not able to vote even after the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
You may be wondering why this intersectionality is significant and relevant today. It is important that we still acknowledge and understand it. In order to achieve equity and peace for all, we have to be aware of what is hindering it. People will feel valid within each community they’re apart of and movements will be more united if we support everyone’s full identities. It is also easier for institutions to achieve their promises of diversity and inclusion when considering intersectionality.
The campuses, workplaces, and other institutions we are members of can maintain a comfortable environment for each and every person when recognizing intersectionality. For instance, schools often have organizations specifically for people of color and people who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. While these are two communities that deserve to be uplifted on their own, people of color who are also members of the LGBTQ+ community experience elevated hate and aggression. Having clubs or organizations for students of color would benefit them and help us take more steps towards equity. Simply uplifting the voices of people who are members of multiple oppressed groups can also make an impact. Their personal experiences and perspectives can truly make a change. Keep in mind, the point of intersectionality is not to be a competition of who to feel more sorry for. It serves as a reminder to us that people experience discrimination in different ways. As a generation, it is up to us to put an end to intolerance and injustice, and we can get there with the power of intersectionality