August is Intersectionality Awareness Month

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