Intersectionality is a key concept in feminism and how we understand today. But what does it mean?
Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw first coined the term ‘intersectionality’ in 1989. It describes how different forms of inequality—based on race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, and other factors—overlap and create unique experiences of discrimination. It began as a legal term devised to assist in the fight against the discrimination of Black women.
Check out this video to hear more about intersectionality from the creator of the term, Kimberlé Crenshaw!
@masterclass #Intersectionality is a recognition that people are multidimensional. #learnontiktok #kimberlecrenshaw ♬ original sound – MasterClass
Understanding intersectionality helps us see the complexity of discrimination. For example, consider an Aboriginal woman who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. She might face sexism, racism, and homophobia all at once. Addressing just one form of discrimination won’t solve the whole problem; we need to tackle all the overlapping issues.
Intersectional Feminism
When we apply intersectionality to feminism, it becomes ‘intersectional feminism’. This means fighting sexism alongside racism, homophobia, ableism, and classism. Ignoring these other forms of discrimination can deepen inequalities among women and gender-diverse people. For example, if a white feminist focuses only on reproductive rights, but ignores how this issue differently impacts Women of Colour, they contribute to inequality within the movement.
Intersectionality is also about understanding your own blind spots, things that might affect others that don’t affect you. Therefore, Intersectional feminism is about recognising our own positions in society and working to uplift all women and gender-diverse people, especially those less privileged.
As Audre Lorde said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
Check out this short video by TikTok creator Witti Indi explaining why intersectional feminism is necessary.
@benjy_lookbook This is why intersectionality matters🤎 #intersectionalfeminism #intersectionality #feminism #bhm #fyp #inclusion #blackhistorymonth #learnontiktok ♬ Aesthetic – Xilo
The Problem with White Feminism
‘White feminism’ focuses mainly on issues affecting white, cisgender, middle-class women. It often ignores the struggles of First Nations women, Women of Colour, trans women, disabled women, and other marginalised groups. For example, if a white woman who identifies as a feminist fights for causes like reproductive rights but ignores or actively discriminates against Women of Colour (WOC) by:
- Shutting them out of leadership roles – for example in organising or speaking at Women’s marches
- Fighting only for their own needs, while ignoring intersectionality and the differing needs of WOC in society
- Actively participating in racist behaviour, such as using stereotypes when describing WOC
This type of behaviour creates inequality within the feminist movement.
Intersectional feminism is about recognising who we are, what position we have in society, what privileges we have, and how we can work to uplift all women and gender-diverse folk — especially those who are less privileged.
White feminism can deny its own racism, transphobia, and other biases, claiming to be the ‘main’ form of feminism. This alienates many people feminism should be supporting. As Ruby Hamad explains in her book White Tears, Brown Scars, white feminism often uses the victimhood of white women to silence and oppress others:
“White women can oscillate between their gender and their race, between being the oppressed and the oppressor. Women of color are never permitted to exist outside of these constraints: we are both women and people of color and we are always seen and treated as such.” — Ruby Hamad
We should note, that being a white person who identifies as a feminist doesn’t necessarily mean you promote white feminism! In this sense, white feminism isn’t always about people’s cultural backgrounds, but their values and actions. It is a social phenomenon based on a set of ideas, not always a demographic. The goal of pointing out the issues with white feminism isn’t to cause division in the feminist movement. It is to understand why it is flawed, and work together to find solutions to create a more inclusive feminism.
Intersectionality is a really awesome concept, because anyone can apply it as a tool to combat white feminism. By really listening to the people that white feminism is failing and genuinely striving towards allyship, we can all be intersectional feminists. Unlearning things like white fragility (feeling uncomfortable and getting defensive when confronted with issues around racism) and reflecting on our priviledge are key to being intersectional feminists.
Check out this video to learn more about white feminism.
Five Tips on How to Be an Intersectional Feminist
- Use Your Platform: Support those with less privilege. For example, male allies can raise awareness about issues affecting marginalised women and gender-diverse people
- Listen and Learn: Understand people’s unique needs by listening to them. Learn about their issues and find out what support they need
- Take Criticism Onboard: Accept feedback and use it to improve your actions and understanding
- Create Strength in Numbers: Connect with other intersectional feminists to build a supportive community
- Share Ideas and Resources: Share information and help each other to achieve full gender equality.
These tips are from Phuong Anh at Plan International.
Where to From Here?
Now that you know more about intersectional feminism, think about how to integrate it into your daily life. Reflect on the tips, take action, read, share knowledge, and discuss it with others!
Recommended Books by Intersectional Feminists:
Ain’t I a Woman by bell hooks
Women, Race & Class by Angela Y. Davis
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Talkin’ Up to the White Woman by Aileen Moreton-Robinson
White Tears Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
