The Prism of Intersectionality

Understanding Intersectionality

Coined in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality emerged from critical race theory as a “prism to bring to light dynamics within discrimination law that weren’t being appreciated by the courts”. Crenshaw’s intent was to illuminate and challenge issues within the legal system where “courts seem to think that race discrimination was what happened to all black people across gender and sex discrimination was what happened to all women.” She declared that in such a framework, the nuances of what happens to Black women and other women of color would be difficult to see.

The intersectionality wars

When Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term 30 years ago, it was a relatively obscure legal concept. Then it went viral.

Reflection: How do you conceptualize intersectionality? How would you define it? In what ways have you seen the term intersectionality co-opted and misused?

Black and Disabled: How Racial Discrimination Is Amplified by Ableism

“Being black and disabled, we get treated like we are disposable.”

I’m a Queer, Black, Disabled Woman. It’s Not My Job to Educate You

“Over the past several weeks, people have been asking me to explain my oppression—conversations that are important but also draining. I use an Activist Self-Care Checklist to determine how to respond.”

How We Can End the Violence Against Trans Women of Color

“It’s not enough to honor the women we’ve lost with platitudes, social media posts, or thoughts and prayers. Instead, we need the rest of the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to make a deep commitment to keeping us alive—specifically by trusting our leadership and our solutions.”

Reflection: Think about your social identities. In what ways do you hold power and privilege not afforded to folks on the margins? From an intersectional lens, how are their lived experiences distinct from your own?

Moving Forward, Intersectionally

Intersectional Feminism: What it Means and Why it Matters Right Now

“From the disparate impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in communities around the globe to international protests against racism and discrimination, current events have shown that we are far from achieving equality. Trying to interpret and battle a multitude of injustices right now may feel overwhelming. How do we take on all these issues, and why should we? Intersectional feminism offers a lens through which we can better understand one another and strive towards a more just future for all.”

Interview With Kimberlé Crenshaw: Rising Against Racism, Supporting Black Female Leadership, And Building An Equitable World

“You gotta dig a little on the ground you think you're standing on, so you can actually see that much of what you take for granted in society is actually layers upon layers of inequalities that have allowed for a baseline that's fundamentally unequal and a product of white supremacy to just be taken as the natural point of departure for all things.”

America, This Is Your Chance

If we do not learn the lessons of history and choose a radically different path forward, we may lose our last chance at creating a truly inclusive, egalitarian democracy.

Reflection: Imagine a future where Black Lives Matter is no longer just a slogan, trend, or hashtag. What does that world look like? How does it feel? How have you contributed to its formation?