August is Intersectionality Awareness Month.
The term ‘intersectionality’ and the intersectional theory were coined in 1989 in a law review article written by Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American civil rights activist and a pioneering scholar in the field of critical race theory.
Intersectionality is a word that describes the interconnectedness of social categories like race, class, age and gender as various parts of an individual’s identity that form together to create an interwoven experience of privilege and discrimination.
The idea recognizes that different forms of inequality can combine and create nuanced experiences. It acknowledges that a person’s background cannot be fully encapsulated by one term or identity, but instead is examined through and influenced by the social context of an individual’s intersecting identities.
Recognizing and raising awareness of intersectionality creates a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Senior Katherine Watkins, who uses they/them pronouns, shares what intersectionality means to them.
“I would say that it’s making sure we keep in touch with each other, making sure that we can help each other in different ways,” Watkins said.
The Iowa Queer Student Alliance is an organization that aims to unites and empowers queer students across Iowa, keeping members informed on LGBTQ+ education and developing their leadership skills.
As a member of the Iowa QSA, Watkins emphasized the importance of building and strengthening community between marginalized groups.
“I’m actually a part of Iowa QSA, and that’s something that we do care about,” Watkins said. “Obviously, we are focused on our issues as queer people, but, personally, I make sure to use my voice and my platform to share the things that are going on in the world, especially with Palestine, with everything like that.”
With actions being taken to eliminate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the U.S., Watkins shared their views on their worries about the erasure of intersectionality.
“The small amount that it is… there are spaces for that, but not like there was… it’s breeding division,” Watkins said.
To Watkins, the loss of safe spaces for intersectional and disenfranchised groups is a symptom of something deeper brewing in the social and political climate of the country.
“The other thing is, too, I feel like a lot of times people don’t want intersectionality. They want to keep us apart because they know we are stronger together,” Watkins said.
