Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex

Praxis

Applying the lessons learned from Crenshaw can be done internally when reflecting on our own intersecting identities, interpersonally when reflecting on our relationships with others, and structurally when reflecting on institutional oppression and our own activism combatting this. Here is a set of guiding questions for each category to reflect on in whatever way works best for you. Before you get started, however, it is recommended you reflect on the following:

1. In what ways did the reading challenge or strengthen your understandings of intersectional identities, the feminist movement, and the antiracism movement?

2. In what ways have you, your peers, or organization been blind to or complacent in perpetuating single-axis ideas about certain identities?

Internally, about your own identities

Reflecting on your own personal identities can be done privately. 

1. What identities do you hold? 

2. How do your identities impact your daily life – both independently and together?

3. Which identity has been most prominent to you recently? Why?

4. Does your prominent identity change depending on the context? If yes, how? If no, why?

5. Pick one of your identities. What is the dominant conception of that identity? Do you feel like you fit that description? Why or why not?

Interpersonally, about your identities in relation to others

These questions about your interpersonal relationships can be reflected on privately, but it may be more effective and honest if you have these conversations with your loved ones.

1. Think about loved ones who share all but one or a few of your identities. How are your shared identities impacted similarly? How are your shared identities impacted differently based on the identities you do not share?

2. Think about loved ones who share few identities with you. Focus on a difference and talk through how that identity uniquely impacts your daily life.

Structurally, about institutions

These questions and actions can be reflected on privately or with others – such as loved ones or groups you are part of.

1. Consider the identities you and your peers hold. Do you feel like you know enough about how those identities have been treated within antidiscrimination doctrine? If not, begin compiling a list of relevant sources that can help you answer this question and create a plan to go through them.

2. How do you or your organization acknowledge intersectional identities in your work? 

3. Have you or has your organization created a space where your loved ones or peers who are disadvantaged in multiple ways feel included and heard? Do not answer this question by yourself.