|
"When Kimberle Crenshaw created the term, “intersectionality”, she described how people with multiple identities are oppressed; specifically, she discussed in her case, as a black woman who in the working world, was impacted by both sexism and racism. At the time, Crenshaw argued that folks' narrow view of things limited their understanding of what people with multiple identities face day to day.
As time has gone on, the concept of intersectionality has evolved, and today there is not a place that doesn't talk about or work toward intersectionality. The idea is to celebrate and acknowledge folks for who they are, what they represent, and what they experience.
With a heightened focus on how the world interacts with them based on their age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, etc., the concept of intersectionality requires folks to see through a lens that recognizes how discrimination, power, and oppression affects one's everyday life.
Now the question is, what will you do once you acknowledge folks' intersections? How will you challenge the status quo? And most importantly, are you seeing folks as a whole?"
Jeiri Flores is a disability rights advocate, writer, speaker, and a fellow who shares her perspectives as a person with a disability to Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities training, community service, research and policy efforts. She provides insights regarding inclusion, citizenship, disability intersectionality, and challenges that remain unaddressed by society.
| 
