The Importance of LGBTQIA+ Support Being Intersectional
How would you feel if someone placed you in a box because of one of your qualities?
The box you’re put in could relate to your gender, your race, your sexual orientation, your interests, hobbies, or your career.
Being placed in a box wouldn’t feel good. That one quality doesn’t define who you are as a person. It only describes one of the many different categories that make up the unique individual that you are.
Each person has their own qualities that are unique to them as individuals. They each have their own positive and negative experiences that make them into the person they are today.
Let’s learn more about the importance of LGBTQIA+ support being intersectional.
What is Intersectionality?
First, let’s dive into what intersectionality exactly is. Intersectionality is the idea that unjust treatment is connected in some way, shape, or form. Intersectionality is the idea and acknowledgment that each and every person has their own experiences unique to them, especially when faced with bias, discrimination, or oppression. There are links between different categories like racial identity, gender, nationality, disability, and sexuality.
The Importance of Intersectionality
Now that we have a better idea of what intersectionality actually is, let’s dive into its overall importance.
It Recognizes Difference
No two people in the world are exactly the same. Each person will have their own positive and negative experiences that are unique to them and make them into the person they are today. It can be easy to group people into certain categories like male vs. female or straight vs. gay, but the world isn’t so black and white. There’s a lot of grey area.
It Doesn’t Define Someone By a Singular Identity
When you were growing up, gender was everywhere. Each gender had its own, designated restrooms. Boys are taught to play with cars, trucks, and soldiers while girls tend to play with dresses, dolls, and makeup. Intersectionality means not defining someone by one identity. This means that you’re able to admit that girls and boys can both play with cars, dolls, or makeup.
It Expands Diversity
Another benefit of intersectionality is that it can help to expand diversity. People who are more aware of intersectionality are better equipped to help make the spaces that they frequent better and more diverse. Intersectional individuals can help to identify and call out any areas in their careers or community that may be lacking in diversity.
It Drives Education
Intersectionality can also help to drive education. Take the time to learn more about people who share similar stories and identities. Take just as much time to learn more about the individuals who have different identities as well. When you share stories, you can build a deeper connection and bond. Make sure you’re also taking the time to learn more on your own time as well. This means that instead of just listening to someone else or relying on them to educate you, find resources like books, television shows, documentaries, movies, podcasts, or blogs to help you get a better understanding.
Next Steps
Intersectionality is extremely important for marginalized groups, especially the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s what can help to drive a more inclusive world for everyone. With the help of intersectionality, we’re able to better identify and acknowledge the differences that are among us each and every day. If you want to learn more about seeking support that is intersectional, look no further. We’re here to help. All therapy has the same approach as intersectionality. It should be unique to each individual.
If you’re looking for an intersectional approach to therapy, reach out to us today to set up a consultation for LGBTQIA+ therapy. We are located in the St. Paul and Minneapolis areas and work with clients all over Minnesota.
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