Putting Intersectionality into daily practice

I admit that I was very resistant to  some modern ideas of intersectionality, as well as other social justice reforms. It's simply because I couldn't work out how to use them and how they would positively effect change - which is what I really want, and I think it's what most people want.  I find wishy washy concepts unhelpful and worry they just create confusion, polarity and divisiveness. 

However, after some thought, research and discussion I'm now more on board with many concepts and in this blog I wanted to explore how I found it helpful to see how intersectionality can be PRACTICALLY HELPFUL to positive social change. 

HOW I PUT INTERSECTIONALITY INTO MY PRACTICE
Here are 6 ways I try to use intersectionality:

1. Recognise my own identities on the wheel of power / privileged: 

Here is my personal example, which is a fascinating exercise to ty for yourself: 

My Privileges / Powers: 
- Cis Gender
- White
- Male
- Citizen of wealthy, democratic country
- Living where I grew up, close to family
- English speaking 
- Middle Class
- Uni Education 
- Slim
- Robust Mental Health 
- Mostly Able Bodied
- Mostly Hetero Sexual

My Marginalization:
- Kinky 
- Queer
- ADHD 
- Spinal disability 
- Polyamorous 
- Not much money
- No property (renting)
- No inheritance
- Solo lingual

Recognising this has been an incredible step for me. It opened my eyes to my privilege and  also areas where I have struggles. It makes me consider how to use my privilege well and also how I can ask for help or do some work to include those parts of me that society marginalises. 

2. Consider others around me. I talk about these struggles with people around me. I learn, via consideration and conversation, about the nuances of discrimination people face. I love doing this wherever I go. It feels lovely to see and acknowledge people's invisible struggles with love and care.  I think the positive change is that it helps include more people and spreads good feelings. 

3. In groups or 1:1 I try to prioritize the voices of marginalized people. This doesn't mean others voices are unwelcome or don't matter, it's just that we need to balance the power by slightly prioritising those with lived experience. I try to do this in my groups, which feels amazing and I think increases our social awareness. 

4. When planning events I consider the marginalized traits. I try to be clear in my communication about what the event includes for an how. Some events are not for everyone and its important to acknowledge that. I also try and make open events as inclusive as possible. I can do this by asking people about their needs and offering some accommodations, up front.  This creates positive change for people coming, but also sends a message to the world that we should work hard to include others and to be clear how. 

5. Collaboration in events: I strive to collaborate with people and/or provide resources for people from different communities, issue areas, and sectors to promote transformative change. This celebrates marginalized facilitators and includes more people in the world. 

6. If collecting data - I try to make sure that data collection does not overlook the experiences of individuals with intersectional identities by offering multiple choices and also an 'other' box.  This raises our real social awareness. You'll see this on my sign up forms. 

In the end intersectionality is an obvious concept, which I think we can all get behind, but I challenge you and myself to really consider HOW we can do this. I hope this post has inspired you. Feel free to comment how it has or if there are other practical suggestions for how to do this.

I hope to see you at one of my group workshops soon. 
Warm wishes
Neil

PS. 
I was inspired by this blog: https://opportunityagenda.org/messaging_reports/ten-tips-for-intersectionality/