Intersectionality is Critical in Advocacy and Activism

Intersectionality is Critical in Advocacy and Activism on a blue background with “critical” being highlighted in pink. In the corners, there are pink wavy lines and blue arcs.

In the advocacy and activism space, the concept of intersectionality comes up frequently to encourage people to consider different perspectives and experiences to improve the process from a place of understanding and collaboration. Why do we do this? Well, intersectionality as coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, is a theory that explains the intersection and efforts of multiple forms of discrimination, typically how aspects of individual identity interact to create different experiences of privilege and oppression. To put this into an example, there are differences in experiences when comparing someone with a disability to someone with a disability with additional identities such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, multiple disabilities, income, location, and so much more. Each person will likely have similar and different experiences that can impact what solutions could work in different situations. 

So why is it important to consider intersectionality in advocacy and activism? 

The point of advocating and taking action is to provide solutions to improve society and people’s quality of life. Society is structured in a way to benefit a specific group of people who fit a criteria. This is typically a white cisgender male in higher incomes in western societies but it depends on the society you live in. So, anyone who does not fit that criteria will likely experience discrimination and barriers when trying to live in a society that was not designed for their experiences. With the situation in the United States where diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, services, and funding are threatened and taken away, it is more apparent on how widely it impacts people. Even when the conversation is targeted to specific identities such as transgender and gender, it still impacts people including identities that are not always considered such as disability, age, income, and location. If someone has more than one identity, it is layers of discrimination and barriers that will affect them more.  

So, here are a few things to keep in mind to incorporate intersectionality into your advocacy and activism work. 

One person’s story is one experience. There are so many experiences within the same community that have a different story to tell, especially if there is intersection with multiple identities. Always seek out multiple stories and perspectives.

Speaking of stories, look at what is already available. The beauty of the internet is the increased access to information of people’s experiences and stories. It is already difficult to live a life with discrimination and barriers at every angle. Pressuring people to speak on their personal experience (intended or unintended) to aid your learning and unlearning does not need to happen. Seek out what is available, provide the opportunities to provide their experiences, opinions, feedback, and suggestions but do not expect people to provide them.

In order to be the space for sharing and collaboration, be accountable to ensuring that the space is safe for those activities. There is a big difference between saying that you are the list of things you hope to be and taking action to ensure the space is as safe as possible.  Do not expect people to tell you what needs to be done. Lived experience helps but it is the choice of the individual, not a requirement. Active learning is required on your part to create the space for these types of interactions. Made-marginalized people do not need to explain the process for you, especially with the information that is already shared and available. You are going to need to seek out the information, create the experiences to show that you are accountable, and continue working and collaborating to maintain trust. To you, it may be the first time interacting but for made-marginalized people, it may be the 11th time that someone tried to create a relationship due to their lived experience and expertise.

Amanda