
INTERSECTIONALITY
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Intersectionality is defined as the combination of any two (or more) identities--most often referring to marginalized identities--and their complex & cumulative impact. the distinct perspectives of those with intersectional identities may be more easily overlooked. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about intersectionality. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Intersectionality:
The combination of any two (or more) identities- most often referring to marginalized identities- and their complex & cumulative impact.
Code Switching:
Shifting between languages (or nonverbal codes) in a conversation; esp. to accommodate dominant cultural norms.
Adultification Bias:
The phenomenon in which people view & treat Black girls as older and less innocent than peers; an unconscious bias.
Minoritized Group:
People marginalized or disenfranchised & without power or privilege; those considered minorities are not necessarily in the minority by numbers.
Intersectional Justice:
Advocacy for equitable distribution of society’s material and social resources (e.g., wealth, power, opportunities) based on the premise that one person’s disadvantage is another’s privilege.

Moments In History
1851 - Sojourner Truth gives “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech.
2006 - Robert McRuer’s Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability is published.
2023 - Florida law bans
teaching critical race theory
in public schools.
1976 - DeGraffenreid v. General Motors case; plaintiff could only pursue a discrimination case based on race or sex, but not both.
2008 - Moya Bailey coins the term misogynoir.
Statistics
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Pew Research Center, 1% of Black people identify as Jewish.
There was a 276% increase in the # of people who identify as multiracial from 9 Million in 2010 to 33.8 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
There is an 11% Disability prevalence within the U.S. Asian population, according to a 2020 study from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
21% U.S. C-suite leaders are women. 4% U.S. C-suite leaders are women of color, according to research from McKinsey's 2019 Women in the Workplace report.
12% of U.S. LGBTQ+ adults identify as Black, according to a report by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
Values
Nonjudgmental Compassion
Identities

(In)visibility
Relationships
"Recognizing the Complexity"
Notable Names





Kimberlé Crenshaw
Michael Yo
Angela Davis
Billie Jean King
Sacagawea
Symbols





Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Popcorn & Chat Event Video
Our film event was insightful and fun! After watching We Are The Radical Monarchs together, we discussed the film and what we learned about intersectionality. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action

Seek opportunities and collaborations with people from different communities and issue areas to create change.

Opt not to view or treat people as
one-dimensional representations
of the group they seem to most
visibly represent

Commit to one action each week to
promote intersectionality!

Learn more about groups such as the Combahee River Collective, I AM, and the Feminist Freedom Warriors Project.

Share our Intersectionality Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!