The universality of Intersectionality, aka, we are all intersectional beings, ensures that we all have a place in people and culture, equity and inclusion, healing and liberation.
by Zhou Fang, Intersectional Group
This year, I received questions from folks from different communities about intersectionality, equity and inclusion, leadership, etc. As we wrap up 2024, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and responses publicly here, hoping to help more people during the season of reflection and restoration.
Question 1: Isn't identity limiting? Don't identities put people in boxes?
My response: Identities are limiting only when we see them as stagnant and still. It is important to remember that intersectionality is fluid and dynamic, so are our intersectional identities. For example, I experienced short-term physical disability for a while in the spring. Six months later, I am almost fully recovered and no longer considered disabled. Another example, oftentimes, we label people who went through extreme hardships as "victims". A lot of them much prefer being seen as "survivors". There is a big difference between "victim" and "survivor". Perspective is key. If we use intersectional identities as guidance, as a way to see "who we are now", not "who we will always be", we will be able to navigate the world with our fluid and dynamic identities.
Question 2: I am White/White Presenting and Cisgender. Can I do the work in equity and inclusion? Am I allowed in the space?
My response: The short answer is YES, everyone has a place in people, culture, equity, inclusion, healing, and liberation. But we must educate ourselves and be mindful and thoughtful about the approaches. There is a reason Affinity Groups exist: to support community members who share certain identities to be, to gather, and to share in a safe and supportive space. For folks who identify as white/white presenting, or/and cisgender, your priority is to 1. educate yourselves not at others' expense; 2. be humble and be aware that you will always make mistakes and that is OK as long as you are willing to be accountable and make changes; 3. educate and support other white/white presenting, or/and cisgender folks get into the space and do the work together. For example, a white and male presenting friend of mine is planning to host an Affinity Group for white and male presenting people. The purpose is to create a non-judgemental space for folks to learn, to process, and to do better together.
Question 3: I feel guilty and ashamed. I feel I am not doing enough. What should I do?
My response: It is human and understandable to feel guilt and shame. But it is not helpful to dwell on it. The longer we stay in guilt and shame, the scarier and more dreadful this work becomes. The result? You feel worse and eventually check out. The first and perhaps the most important thing to do is to practice compassion, compassion for others, and compassion for ourselves. We all have our limits. When our capacities are met, we need to take breaks. Even for practitioners like myself need time and space to unplug and recharge. For many, the day to day life is overwhelming enough that we can barely respond to the texts in our phone. Allow yourself time and space to rest, that includes resting your mind, as well. When you decide to show up again, you will be more present and impactful.
Question 4: I would like to do better. How do I hold myself accountable?
My response: Behavior change takes time. It requires consistent practice and patience. It took me roughly 4 years to change my social network from 90% (or more) white, to now a fully diverse circle. Commitment means you are willing to take the time and effort needed to do the work without being defensive. It also means you are willing to hold yourself accountable, even when it feels uncomfortable or embarrassing at times. One way to practice accountability is to find "accountability buddies". You can have more than one accountability buddy for different areas. For example, if you are a leader who wants to learn to use inclusive language, you may want to find another leader who wants to be more inclusive, as well, and hold each other accountable. Overtime, you may find yourself needing a buddy less and less because you will have become comfortable acknowledging "what you need to work on" and then work on it.
The bottomline is, regardless of our race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexuality, age, class, socioeconomic status, and other intersectional identities, we all have a place in the work of people, culture, equity, inclusion, healing, and liberation. The question is "how". I hope this article provides some insights and even assurance for folks who want to do the work, but are unclear of "how".
There is a place for us all. We belong.
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Compassionately,
Zhou Fang (方舟)
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