October on campus is known for two things: its shift in weather and its extensive amount programming across campus. Amidst the falling leaves and nonstop events, it’s also the time for a number of sociocultural appreciation and awareness months. With October comes Disability Appreciation and Awareness Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the second half of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month. Together, this month brings a time to honor those who have fought for continued progress within each of these identity groups and a moment to reflect on the connections between each of us. With so many groups highlighting their history, struggles and triumphs, we are able to acknowledge our intersectionality and tap into the interconnected points of our shared human experience.
We asked members from the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), LGBT Resource Center and the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) about their thoughts and reflections on intersectionality.
“A Coalition of Identities”:
khristian kemp-delisser, director of the LGBT Resource Center, emphasizes the sense of community that develops as we embrace our connections. “Intersectionality reminds me that we are all connected. Our particular collection of dominant and target identities intersect and overlap in ways that provide some support and protection but also leave us exposed to the cumulative and caustic impact of inequities, discrimination, and harm. Intersectionality assures that no matter what my issue or concern is, I can find solidarity and allies from others who appreciate and understand the vulnerability and strength of overlapping identities. Every category of identity that we typically think of as uniform is actually a coalition of identities.”
Understanding our Integrations:
Julissa Pabon, coordinator of mentoring programs in OMA, says, “Intersectionality means having an understanding of the various identities that are within all people. The original word was created by KimberlĂ© Crenshaw with the goal of understanding the integration of race and gender. Understanding this will allow us to understand that some identities including our students, peers and entire community can be a part of multiple marginalized communities.”
“A Complex Web of Being We Call Human Life”:
When focused on as a shared human experience, intersectionality can bring unity despite marginalization. Dr. Elizabeth R. (Sierra) Taets Von Amerongen, director of the DCC, makes the point that, “Intersectionality is a lens through which we can view the world, acknowledging the interwoven influences of oppressions large and small throughout the lifespan on how we approach and navigate the world. It’s about honoring our individuality while simultaneously recognizing our commonalities within the complex web of being we call human life. None of us can be reduced to the sum of our parts, and intersectionality challenges those who’d dare try. Intersectionality is about as real as it gets, and the sooner we as a society really wrap our heads around it, the better off we’ll be.”
When embraced properly, intersectionality can be a dynamic tool. Our community embraces this month as an opportunity to reach beyond what we know and find familiar and tap into the pieces of ourselves that find commonality in others lived experiences. Honoring and advocating for one another’s shared struggles can only push us farther.
Written by Abigail Covington ’19 G ’20, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications