Question 1

What is Intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

The concept of Intersectionality was first established in 1989 by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw as a framework to understand the oppression of African-American women. Twenty-eight years later, the concept further gained mainstream attention during the 2017 Women’s March on Washington DC. Intersectionality does not examine a single identity one may associate with, such as race or gender, in a vacuum. Rather, it highlights what happens when multiple identities (as we all associate with) collide/intersect and lead to unique forms of discrimination and consequences. Without this acknowledgement, movements such as LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, Black Lives Matter, Stop-Asian-Hate, climate justice, and disability rights may appear to be disconnected when in fact they are intertwined.

Intersectional Group honors and uses Professor Crenshaw’s Intersectionality framework as a guide to our work in people and culture, leadership, career development, policy making, equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice.

Question 2

What is Intersectional Leadership?

Accepted Answer

Intersectional Leadership acknowledges that we are all leaders in our lives. “Leader” is more than a title. It is a mindset, a way of functioning. Understanding that we all go through different experiences in life which result in us showing up at work (and in life) differently, Intersectional Leadership allows us to practice leadership in a restorative, collaborative, helpful, and compassionate way.

Learn more about Intersectional Leadership and how we can support your leadership journey. Intersectional Leadership: what it is, and why it is critical for businesses' wellbeing.(https://www.intersectional.group/post/intersectional-leadership-what-it-is-and-why-it-is-critical-for-businesses-wellbeing)  You are the leader you have been looking for.(https://www.intersectional.group/post/1-1s-you-are-the-leader-you-have-been-looking-for)

Question 3

What is Intersectional Living and the Abundance Mindset?

Accepted Answer

Intersectional Living offers a holistic lens on “life”. As intersectional beings, our life experiences are different and similar at the same time. We at Intersectional Group are not trying to tell you “how to live your life”. Rather, we are providing tools that help shape a mindset that is sustainable, restorative, mindful, curious, and healing.

Without the practice of the Abundance Mindset, however, we may not be able to practice Intersectional Living fully. The Abundance Mindset is about “There is Enough for Everyone”. So that instead of fighting for resources, we collaborate, help each other, uplift communities, heal, and grow together.

Learn more about Intersectional Living and the Abundance Mindset.(https://www.intersectional.group/post/intersectional-living-and-the-abundance-mindset)

Question 4

Are we replacing DEI/EDI/DEIB with Intersectionality?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is NO. DEI/EDI/DEIJ (diversity, equity, inclusion, justice) and other acronyms are all irreplaceable parts of Intersectionality. The core of Intersectionality is “interconnectedness”. We shouldn’t look at diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and other pressing needs as an isolated or individual matter. Without diversity, we can’t honestly talk about inclusion. Without equity, we can’t properly talk about justice. Without culture, we can’t genuinely walk about belonging. We are all interconnected. That’s why Intersectionality is at the center of everything. That’s why we need to practice Intersectionality with open hearts and minds.

Question 5

Does Intersectionality solve all problems, then?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is still NO. No intersection is the same. There is no cookie-cutter for all the issues we encounter as human beings. The point for intersectionality is to look at every systemic, organizational, and individual issue as a unique matter, and to use curiosity, empathy, and compassion to study, understand, and eventually solve the problem. That is not to say, we cannot learn from history. On the contrary, we should learn from history and make sure that we don’t make the same mistakes - differences and similarities are two equally important parts of Intersectionality.

Question 6

Can I “figure it all out on my own, or with my team”?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. With commitment and consistent hard work, we can all become an expert of Intersectionality. At the same time, an Intersectionality expert may accelerate or enhance the process by providing partnership, guidance, resources, advice, and tools.

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