“…As additional products of intersectional racism and bias, Black women have had to constantly move against the stereotypes of being angry, dramatic, and aggressive for centuries. What’s worse, however, is to be seen as weak or helpless, as a Person of Color in white America because of the supremacy of white America itself. This systematic oppression has birthed a survivalist mentality among these groups of minorities. Fighting to be respected, seen, and heard has been the norm as we’ve powered through adversity all these years.

So, when descriptors such as “intersectionality” are dismissed as just another term or something simply made up, and we are expected to wait for our White savior to dry our tears or performatively offer societal advantages in an attempt to undo their own work, it can feel like a slap in the face. The experiences of figures like Marsha P. Johnson and the tragic murders of Black transgender women serve as stark reminders that intersectionality is not just a theory, but a harsh reality with life-and-death consequences. It is a clarion call to acknowledge the intricate ways in which race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability converge to shape our lives and opportunities. We must face the difficult truths of our shared existence and strive to construct a more equitable and just society that honors and upholds the dignity and worth of all. Only then can we truly achieve the liberation of all marginalized communities.

It’s difficult for me to imagine a world in which intersectionality and its difficulties are not as prevalent as they are now. Yet, for this reason, we must appreciate the beauty within intersectionality as a culture, rather than succumb to the idea of the white savior or feel hopeless as People of Color in our fight. The beauty of an intersectional perspective is more than just a theoretical framework – it is a revelation by Kimberlé Crenshaw that opens our eyes to the stunning intricacy of human life. Instead of flattening people into one-dimensional caricatures, intersectionality invites us to acknowledge the countless dimensions that make up our identities and how each of these dimensions weaves with different forms of oppression. It is a profound realization that shows us how the systems of power and privilege in our society intersect to shape out experiences in unique and often heartbreaking ways. However, it is also a call to action, a plea for empathy and understanding that demands we see each other in all our complexity and work together to dismantle the structures of oppression that harm us all. Intersectionality is not just another term; it is a path towards a ore passionate, equitable, and understanding society…”

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