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An individual’s experiences are based on not just their individual identities, but the intersection these identities create. Discrimination can be based on one’s race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and more. When these identities often overlap with one another, unique experiences of discrimination or privilege will occur rather than experiences based on each factor in isolation.

The term “intersectionality” was coined in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a lawyer, civil rights activist, and critical race theory scholar. While she initially developed the term to explain the relationship of race and gender in the oppression of African-American women, the term has been used more widely to describe the overlap of other marginalized identities as well.

Though the term was coined more recently, one of the most famous speeches in history, “Ain’t I A Woman,” by Sojourner Truth, is one of the key historical illustrations of intersectionality. The speech addresses the inseparable nature of overlapping social identities such as sexism and racism. The speech has been altered over time, but a rendition performed by Kerry Washington of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman” can be found here.

One clear example that has been used to show the intersectionality of discrimination is the famous 1976 DeGraffenreid v. General Motors court case, where five Black female employees accused General Motors of discrimination. However, because General Motors hired Black men and white women, they were told there was no racial or gendered discrimination as they were not allowed to “combine statutory remedies” despite being impacted by both identities.

The “Wheel of Power/Privilege” as seen in last year’s blog post provides an excellent visual showing how overlapping social identities impact privilege.

Some other examples of how identifying with multiple oppressed groups can have increased impacts include:

• Disabled people of color face further discrimination due to the combination of the stigmatization of disability and the economic barriers faced by communities of color. This leads to a higher risk of unmet healthcare needs in these communities (HealthCity Editors, 2023).
• Girls with ADHD are often underdiagnosed due to differing signs and symptoms as well as differently enforced social norms. This can lead to reduced self-esteem and poorer academic achievements due to differing expectations and the lack of a diagnosis to help explain differences (Connolly, 2025).

Opportunities at UBC:

To gain more in-depth knowledge about intersectionality, UBC offers a number of programs.

UBC offers a course on Understanding Intersectionality and Identity that explores the meaning of intersectionality and how systems of oppression affect individuals and communities at these intersections. The course provides tools for respectfully engaging with all members of our communities and examines the changes that must happen to shift our approach to systemic issues.

This course can be applied to UBC’s Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as well as the Micro-certificate in Anti-Racism

UBC Library Materials:

To learn more about intersectionality and the experiences of those who have multiple marginalized identities, check out these books available at the UBC Library:

Gutierrez y Muhs, G., Niemann, Y. F., Gonzalez, C. G., & Harris, A. P. (2012). In Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs, Yolanda Flores Niemann, Carmen G. González and Angela P. Harris(Eds.), Presumed incompetent: The intersections of race and class for women in academia (1st ed.). University Press of Colorado. [Available at UBC Library]

Joseph, F. (2022). Patriarchy blues: Reflections on manhood (First ed.). Harper Perennial. [Available at UBC Library]

Lorde, A. (1984). Sister outsider: Essays and speeches. Crossing Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Piepzna-Samarasinha, L. L. (2026). The way disabled people love each other: Poems. Arsenal Pulp Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Whitehead, J. & Abdou, A. (2023). Indigiqueerness: A conversation about storytelling. AU Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Web Sources Consulted

Since 2012, we have celebrated International Non-Binary People’s Day on July 14th, the halfway point between International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day.

The term “non-binary” does not have one definition but refers to individuals whose gender identity is neither female nor male. Other terms such as “gender non-conforming”, “genderqueer”, or “agender” are similar. Gender is a social construct that comes with a set of expectations, but there are many ways people can express their gender identity other than on a binary.

The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ youth, developed this Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People as an educational resource for allies to learn how to respectfully support the Nonbinary and Transgender people in their lives. For a brief overview of this guide and to familiarize yourself with the common genders as well as tips and best practices on supporting the Trans and Nonbinary people in your life, take a look at our 2025 International Non-Binary People’s Day blog post. Taking the initiative to educating yourself relieves the burden of Trans and Nonbinary folks of having to repeatedly explain themselves to others.

Using the Correct Pronouns

This year, we will delve deeper into pronouns and the importance of using people’s correct pronouns. Egale Canada, Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQI+ people and issues, has developed this helpful Pronouns Usage Guide as well as the shorter Pronouns Usage Quick Guide with helpful tips and instructions on pronoun usage.

Using the right pronouns is an easy way and small step you can take to show respect and decency to Non-binary and Transgender individuals. A harmful term that has been commonly used in the past that allies should avoid is to use the term “preferred pronouns”, as this implies these pronouns are just a preference and that alternatives are acceptable, when they are not. It’s also vital to not assume a person’s pronouns based on their appearance, and ask for pronouns whether someone’s gender expression is both expected or unexpected to you. Only asking those who’s appearance doesn’t fit in with your personal views of gender expression is a form of othering. Misgendering can be hurtful, exhausting, and humiliating for gender diverse people. Normalizing sharing your own pronouns (especially as a cisgender person) as well ask asking for others pronouns in everyday conversation lessens the likelihood of misgendering and further makes it part of the status quo.

Keep in mind that some people may use different pronouns in different settings. For example, if an individual is not out as Transgender with their family, they may use the pronouns associated with the gender they were assigned at birth. If you are worried about accidentally outing someone, be sure to check in with that person about their pronouns.

They/Them Pronouns

One argument commonly heard by those who struggle to use the correct nonbinary pronouns is that it is grammatically incorrect to use “they” as a pronoun for a singular person. They/them pronouns are commonly used by nonbinary people as they are a pre-existing and gender-neutral way to refer to a person. Page 4-5 of Egale’s Pronouns Usage Guide gives helpful examples on how to use singular they/them pronouns in a grammatically correct way.

What people may not always realize is that they often naturally use they/them to refer to a single person if the identity of that person is unknown.

For example: “Someone left their water bottle in the room.”

Because we don’t know who left the bottle, their pronouns are not automatically assumed.

Neopronouns 

Neopronouns are personal pronouns some people use other than she, he, or they. While some are more common, some people create their own to express themselves and their gender. It can be more difficult to figure out the correct grammar of neopronouns as they are less common, and it is ok to ask what is correct and to be unsure of how to use them. Asking and learning is always appreciated from allies. Page 6 of Egale’s Pronouns Usage Guide defines neopronouns and has some examples of common neopronouns used.

Some examples of commonly used neopronouns include:

(Ze, Hir, Hirs, Hirself)

(Ey, Em, Eir, Eirs, Emself)

(Xe, Xem, Xyr, Xyrs, Xemself)

UBC Resources

The UBC Trans & Non-Binary Student Guide is a open, honest, and collaborative resource created by a team of Trans and Non-binary students at UBC to help students access resources and support on campus.

The UBC Pride Collective is an AMS resource that offers educational and social services dealing with sexual and gender diversity. It is a safe, supportive, and student-led home for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at UBC.

Gears and Queers is an Engineering and STEM club at UBC that strives to support a community for queer and trans engineering students.

Community Resources:

The Trevor Project, an organization leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people, offering crisis services, peer support, and education.

Trans Care BC, an organization specifically in British Columbia that connects trans people and their loved ones with information, education, and support.

Egale Canada is Canada’s leading organization for LGBTQIA+ people and issues through research, education, awareness, and advocacy for human rights and equity.

QMUNITY, British Columbia’s queer, trans, and two-spirit resource centre. This organization is based in Vancouver and works to provide safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to express themselves, providing free counselling, information and referrals, and one-on-one peer support.

Out on the Shelves Library is a volunteer-run, community library that is committed to being a space to celebrate and strengthen queer culture through resources and programs.

Vancouver Public Library provides a list of resources as well as reading materials for further education about LGBTQIA+ experiences and communities.

UBC Library Materials:

To learn more, check out these reading materials available through the UBC Library:

Barker, M., Iantaffi, A., & ProQuest (Firm). (2019). Life isn’t binary: On being both, beyond, and in-between (1st ed.). Jessica Kingsley Publishers. [Available at UBC Library]

Barker, M., Scheele, J. (2019). Gender: A graphic guide. Icon Books. [Available at UBC Library]

Roche, J. (2019;2020;). Trans power: Own your gender (1st ed.). Jessica Kingsley Publishers. [Available at UBC Library]

Whitehead, J. & Abdou, A. (2023). Indigiqueerness: A conversation about storytelling. AU Press. [Available at UBC Library]

Young, E., & ProQuest (Firm). (2020;2019;). They/Them/Their: A guide to nonbinary and genderqueer identities (1st ed.). Jessica Kingsley Publishers. [Available at UBC Library]

Web Sources Consulted:

International Non-Binary People’s Day. (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=International_Non-Binary_People%27s_Day&oldid=1298031203

The Trevor Project. (2024). 2024 Guide to Being an Ally to Trans and Nonbinary Young People. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/