Action Alert | It’s 2022… Is Your Feminism Intersectional?

We recently came across the panel comic “A Timeline of Girl Boss Culture” on Instagram by feminist cartoonist Lily O’Farrell (@vulgardrawings). The cartoon struck us because it critiques the brand of feminism that preaches equality but is neither inclusive nor intersectional, as it assumes all women experience patriarchy the same.

SO before we advance any further into 2022, we have to ask… is your feminism intersectional? Here’s what we mean… 

Our intersections present substantial determining factors for how we experience life. These are the places where external systems like laws, policies, and mainstream culture, interact with our identity - race, age, religion, ability, sexuality, income level, etc., to create a sort of inequality within inequality.

Let’s look at the popular wage equality statement, “for every dollar a man makes, “women” are paid $0.82”.  When we make this statement, we presume that all women receive $0.18 less than their male counterparts. But $0.82 is the median calculation. Before discussing equal pay, we must first acknowledge that not all women’s dollars are equal. If we look at the wage gap and race - white women earn $0.79, Black women earn $0.62, Hispanic/Latinx women earn $0.54, Asian women earn $0.90, and Indigenous women earn $0.57. Looking even closer at these groups and considering education level, sexuality, ability, age, or other factors further compounds the issue.

OMG, this is so overwhelming. Why should I adopt intersectional feminism? 

We know it feels complicated. But when we ignore the relationship between racism, classism, sexism, or other isms, we fail to understand inequality altogether. 

Our identities don’t exist in a vacuum. Intersectionality helps us recognize how we all align to patriarchal expectations and experience privilege somehow. Our race, education level, socio-economic status, sexuality, religion, ability, or cultural beliefs can position us to uphold systems that negatively impact others. And… it is our responsibility to analyze how we not only acknowledge that fact but take the necessary steps to make improvements for more equitable outcomes. It’s why we love Lily’s comic so much! Her panels challenge us to reevaluate how toxic Girl Boss Culture can be for women whose intersectional identities may prevent them from climbing their way to the top of the boys club. 

Intersectionality is not identity politics or a scorecard or reverse hierarchy. Intersectionality is a tool to analyze the interactive effects of multiple forms of discrimination - racism, patriarchy, sexism, misogyny, homophobia - and where they converge in our lives. It is a framework to help us think about a better society. 

 

How do I become a more intersectional feminist? 

Patriarchy is not just a goal to crush; it is a way of life that all of us participate in. We once elevated women without considering how race, class, ability, age, and sexuality impacts women differently. BUT… we've evolved and you can too. 

Just look at the GenderAvenger Tally! Over the years, we’ve evolved the tally into a more inclusive measuring stick. By requiring organizations to include 50% women and 20% women of color as the criterion for a Gold Stamp of Approval, we challenge organizations, events, and media to not only include “women” but be mindful and intentional about advancing women of color and nonbinary folks.

When we think about “women,” we generally think of white, straight, cis-born, non-disabled individuals with decent to amazing income. These women need empowerment, but we can’t make their experiences the benchmark for solving all women’s issues. This year we challenge you to adopt a more conscious, intentional, and inclusive approach to ensuring that women’s voices count. You can start by investigating how the women around you experience gender inequality differently because of class, ability, race, religion, age, and sexuality.

What’s Next? Get Your Read On!

We usually have you take it to Twitter or share your ideas with us. This week we want you to check out Helena Liu’s 5 Must-Read Intersectional Feminist Books for Beginners via Disorient. In 2021 Liu invited readers to join Disorient’s 2021 reading challenge. We know it’s 2022, but this list is a comprehensive crash course and guide to intersectionality from the voices of foundational writers and scholars.

Who are your must-read intersectional feminist writers or book titles? Share your faves with us on Twitter or LinkedIn!

Light the Flame with Inspiring Reads

We aren’t the only ones raising an eyebrow at inequality when we see it. So many individuals and organizations are helping women claim their place at the table, take their time at the mic, or rise to power and influence. We hope that this week’s reads empower and inspire your advocacy:

 

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has been participating in #GATallyTuesday! Look out for a reminder on social media each Tuesday to share your tallies!

 
 
 

📣🚨 Women do not experience the glass ceiling equally (s/o to Lily O’Farrell). So before we advance any further into 2022, we have to ask… is your feminism intersectional? 🤔 Need a refresher? Check out this list of books from Helena Liu. #GenderAvenger 

 
Action AlertsGenderAvengerintersectionality, feminism, intersectional feminism