The Concept of Intersectionality

The Concept of Intersectionality
The term ‘intersectionality’ was coined more than three decades ago, majorly referring to the multiple sources of challenges facing Black women in the United States. However, it can be argued that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) black movements offer an even more profound platform for theorizing the concept of intersectionality. To support this claim, this essay will explore the emerging literature on LGBTQ black activism to highlight the major challenges that this community faces. However, it is important to start with an understanding of intersectionality and its historical roots.
Defining ‘intersectionality’ requires going back to the initial description of the term by the founder, Kimberlé Crenshaw. In this case, intersectionality can be defined as a framework that explores how interlocking systems of power impact the most marginalized people in society. recently, Crenshaw stated that modern usage of the term goes beyond identity politics and has become a prism for illustrating how various typologies of inequality operate together to make the experiences greater than the sum of their parts (Steinmetz). However, it can be argued that much of the literature on intersectionality has focused majorly on gender issues, especially the challenges faced by Black women since the days of slavery. These issues have led to many gender-based movements, in what has been described by Davis as the legacy of slavery (9). Many women have had to narrate their experiences as women and their stance on the feminism and black freedom movements. For example, the railroad boycotts in Memphis Tennessee advocated for the rights of blacks and were part of broader initiatives that incorporated the issues facing black women in this region (Graham). Overall, intersectionality is the right lens to view the issues facing people regarded as marginalized in society.
Even though feminist movements are still present today, it can be argued that the new limelight now focuses on the LGBTQ community and the multiple identities of the individuals that cause oppression and other challenges. In many cases, it can be observed that the LGBTQ communities often complain of being left out of various movements. A case study of Canada presented by Labelle explains that the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in Toronto acknowledged the racism within the LGBTQ communities in the country (807). Often, the people of color who also form part of the LGBTQ community are excluded from the LGBTQ movements, a phenomenon observed across Canada, the United States, and such European countries as the United Kingdom and France. From an intersectional perspective, the modern LGBTQ movements have been formed around certain racialized identities, which leaves out certain groups. As a result, it can be argued that the colored people within the LGBTQ communities face more problems than their white counterparts.
Another case study of New ...