In the world of feminism, intersectionality is a vital concept that continues to be overlooked. Coined by Black activist Kimberle Crenshaw in the 1980s, intersectionality examines how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation—interact within systems of oppression.
As a woman of color, I often found myself reluctant to embrace the label of feminist. Initially, I thought this hesitance stemmed from societal stigma, but upon reflection, I realized it was because the feminism I encountered seemed disconnected from my reality. The dominant narrative is often a narrow, white-centric perspective, leading me to question why women of color, especially Black women, were perpetually sidelined in these discussions.
Today, women of color, queer individuals, and others who don’t fit the mainstream mold are increasingly fed up with being shut out. As the demographics shift and being “other” becomes more common, it’s impossible to champion feminism without uplifting these essential voices.
The neglect of women of color isn’t a new chapter in feminist history. Early suffragists fought for white women’s voting rights, believing they deserved them more than Black men, who they deemed inferior. In this hierarchy, Black women were completely erased from the conversation.
During the second wave of feminism post-Civil Rights Movement, white women allowed some Black women to join in, but often in superficial ways. Had true power been shared, the need for intersectionality might not be as pressing today.
As feminism gained momentum, the racial divide became painfully obvious. After Obama’s presidency, white women celebrated their support for him, yet many were resentful over his 2008 nomination win against Hillary Clinton. In 2016, they questioned women of color for not rallying behind Clinton, despite her lack of genuine support for marginalized groups. When we express feeling politically overlooked, especially in progressive circles, we are often labeled as divisive, rather than acknowledged.
Despite this, Black women turned out in significant numbers to vote for Clinton, contrasting sharply with the 45% of educated white women who supported Trump without justification. Black women also played a pivotal role in defeating Roy Moore in Alabama, showcasing our commitment to justice beyond our own interests.
Our contributions often get co-opted by white women, who then receive the accolades. Consider the Women’s March, initially inspired by the Million Woman March led by Black women. From the start, the Women’s March lacked a commitment to intersectionality, with a predominantly white board that only diversified in response to public pressure. Even then, women of color felt marginalized. While there were notable speeches from women of color, the crowd’s diversity was lacking.
The #MeToo movement provides another example. Founded by Tarana Burke, a Black woman, it aimed to support and heal victims of sexual assault, particularly within the Black community. However, as it gained traction, discussions often sidelined women of color. Notably, when Aurora Perrineau accused a writer from the show Girls of assault, prominent feminist Lena Dunham defended the accused instead of supporting her fellow woman. Had Perrineau been white, the response might have been different.
When the movement was celebrated on a Time Magazine cover, Burke was notably absent from the group shot despite being the founder. While she was acknowledged, the omission highlighted the ongoing struggle for recognition among women of color.
This is why intersectionality is vital: a singular experience cannot represent all women. White women have historically dominated the narrative, dismissing alternative perspectives as divisive. However, we are not trying to be divisive; we are demanding to be heard.
If the table can accommodate everyone, why do only white women get a seat? When women of color voice their struggles, they are often dismissed as troublemakers. Instead of shutting us down, white women should listen. If you’re a white cisgender woman and a friend shares their concerns, take a moment to hear them out. Acknowledge your privilege and commit to being a supportive ally. We don’t seek sympathy; we want understanding and validation of our experiences.
We’re not looking to adopt the lifestyle of white America; we want an equal opportunity to claim what we’ve been told is our right as Americans.
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In summary, feminism must become truly intersectional to be effective. Women of color deserve to be included in this crucial dialogue, and their voices should not only be heard but celebrated. As we push for a more inclusive movement, it’s imperative for all women to acknowledge their privilege and work towards true equality.
Keyphrase: Intersectional Feminism
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