The Importance of Understanding Intersectionality

What is intersectionality? That is a question I have been asked quite often and it is probably one of the most important concepts to know.

Intersectionality is the intersections between forms or systems of oppression or privilege. In other words, intersectionality is the different identities a person holds and how those identities are interconnected and cannot be considered independently. Like I have mentioned, those identities can either be privileged or oppressed, and it is important we acknowledge the different identities we hold. But what exactly does that mean?

For example, some of the identities that belong to me are: I am a woman, I am a Latina, I am educated, I am able-bodied, I am cis-gendered (meaning that my gender identity matches the sex I was assigned at birth), etc. Although I hold oppressed identities as a woman and a Latina, I hold privileged identities such as being educated, being able-bodied, and being cis-gendered. All my identities cannot be looked at separately, and neither can the identities of anyone else.

A white woman might have the disadvantage of gender, but has the advantage of race. A black woman is disadvantaged by her gender AND her race, and a Hispanic, bisexual woman is disadvantaged by her gender, her ethnicity, AND her sexual orientation.

A black man has the advantage of gender, but has the disadvantage of race. A white man has the advantage of both gender and race, and so on.

Like I mentioned above, there might be other identities that give you privilege in society (ableism, being cis-gendered, heterosexual, educated, etc.) and identities that give you even more disadvantage (depending on your religion, social class (being low-incomed), having a disability, etc.)

I want to be clear: having privilege in certain identities is not a bad thing at all, but recognizing that privilege, and what you do with it, is what matters.

Other different identities are sex, religion, social class, age, (dis)ability, nation(s) of origin and/or citizenship, tribal or indigenous affiliation, and many others. Any identity that makes you, you.

In order to be a true ally for marginalized communities, one must acknowledge where they hold privilege and how to use it to listen, speak up, take accountability, and continue to push for true equity.