Intersectionality and the LGBTQIA+ Experience: Navigating Multiple Marginalized Identities

Content warning: This post discusses topics related to discrimination, racism, and transphobia.

As a gay man, I've long been aware of the challenges and prejudices faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. However, it wasn't until I began to educate myself on the concept of intersectionality that I truly understood the complex and multifaceted nature of oppression. Intersectionality, a term coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to the ways in which different forms of discrimination intersect and compound each other, creating unique experiences of marginalization for individuals with multiple minority identities (Crenshaw, 1989).

For LGBTQIA+ individuals who also belong to other marginalized groups, such as people of color, transgender individuals, or those with disabilities, the experience of navigating a heteronormative and CIS-normative world is further complicated by additional layers of discrimination and prejudice. These intersecting identities cannot be separated or compartmentalized; they interact and influence each other in complex ways, shaping every aspect of an individual's life (Moradi et al., 2010).

Consider, for example, the experiences of a Black transgender woman. Not only does she face discrimination and violence based on her gender identity, but she also contends with the pervasive racism and misogyny that permeates our society. The combination of these oppressive forces creates a unique set of challenges and barriers that cannot be fully understood or addressed through a single-axis framework (Serano, 2016).

Similarly, LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities often encounter ableism within the queer community, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit access to inclusive spaces and resources (Clare, 2015). The intersection of disability and queerness can also impact an individual's access to healthcare, as medical professionals may lack the knowledge or sensitivity to address the specific needs of this population (Dispenza et al., 2012).

The failure to recognize and address these intersecting forms of oppression can have severe consequences for the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Research has shown that individuals with multiple marginalized identities are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation (Bostwick et al., 2014). This is not due to any inherent weakness or flaw, but rather the result of the cumulative impact of discrimination, stigma, and minority stress.

Recognizing the importance of an intersectional approach is crucial for creating truly inclusive and equitable spaces within the LGBTQIA+ community. Too often, the voices and experiences of those with multiple marginalized identities are silenced or pushed to the margins, perpetuating the very oppressive structures we seek to dismantle (Pastrana, 2010).

To foster genuine inclusion, we must actively center and amplify the voices of those who have been most marginalized. This means listening to and learning from the experiences of queer people of color, transgender individuals, those with disabilities, and others who have been traditionally underrepresented in LGBTQIA+ spaces. It means examining our own biases and privileges, and working to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality.

One powerful way to promote intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community is through education and awareness-raising. By learning about the diverse experiences and perspectives of those with multiple marginalized identities, we can begin to challenge our own assumptions and develop a more nuanced understanding of oppression. This can involve reading books and articles by queer authors of color, attending workshops and panel discussions on intersectionality, and seeking out media that represents a wide range of LGBTQIA+ experiences.

Another essential step is to create inclusive spaces and resources that prioritize the needs and voices of those with multiple marginalized identities. This can include ensuring that LGBTQIA+ organizations and events have diverse leadership and representation, providing accessible venues and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and offering targeted support and resources for specific intersectional communities.

In my work as a mental health professional, I've seen firsthand the importance of an intersectional approach when working with LGBTQIA+ clients. It's not enough to simply address an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity in isolation; we must also consider how their other identities and experiences shape their mental health and well-being. This requires a deep understanding of the complex ways in which oppression operates, as well as a commitment to ongoing self-reflection and education.

Ultimately, embracing intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community is not just a matter of inclusion and representation; it's a matter of justice and liberation. By recognizing and addressing the multiple, interlocking systems of oppression that impact our lives, we can build a movement that truly celebrates and uplifts all members of our diverse community.

As we work towards this goal, it's important to remember that the journey towards intersectional inclusivity is ongoing and often challenging. It requires us to confront uncomfortable truths, examine our own complicity in oppressive systems, and take action to disrupt the status quo. But through our collective efforts, we can create a world where every LGBTQIA+ individual, regardless of their multiple identities, can thrive and live authentically.

So let us commit to the work of intersectionality, in all its complexity and discomfort. Let us listen to and amplify the voices of those who have been most marginalized and let us work tirelessly to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality. In doing so, we can build a stronger, more vibrant, and truly inclusive LGBTQIA+ community – one that celebrates the rich diversity of our experiences and honors the full humanity of every individual.

In Strength,

Trey Malicoat, M.S.

Author: Being Seen: Coming Out After 40, A Handbook for Gay & Bi Men

P.S. If I can help you on your journey toward personal growth, please visit treymalicoat.com and order your copy of the book here!

#Intersectionality #LGBTQIA #MultipleMarginalizedIdentities #InclusiveMovement #DismantlingOppression #CelebratingDiversity

References:

• Bostwick, W. B., Boyd, C. J., Hughes, T. L., West, B. T., & McCabe, S. E. (2014). Discrimination and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 84(1), 35-45.

• Clare, E. (2015). Exile and pride: Disability, queerness, and liberation. Duke University Press.

• Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.

• Dispenza, F., Watson, L. B., Chung, Y. B., & Brack, G. (2012). Experience of career-related discrimination for female-to-male transgender persons: A qualitative study. The Career Development Quarterly, 60(1), 65-81.

• Moradi, B., Wiseman, M. C., DeBlaere, C., Goodman, M. B., Sarkees, A., Brewster, M. E., & Huang, Y. P. (2010). LGB of color and white individuals' perceptions of heterosexist stigma, internalized homophobia, and outness: Comparisons of levels and links. The Counseling Psychologist, 38(3), 397-424.

• Pastrana, A. (2010). Privileging oppression: Contradictions in intersectional politics. The Western Journal of Black Studies, 34(1), 53-63.

• Serano, J. (2016). Whipping girl: A transsexual woman on sexism and the scapegoating of femininity. Seal Press.