The role that intersectionality plays in modern feminism is crucial. It allows womxn of all backgrounds to feel proud and connected to their identity., since many can relate to the different branches of third-wave feminism. Intersectionality also allows for the introduction of a new idea of acceptance that doesn’t follow the ‘standard’ heteronormative, cisgendered, white idea of feminism.

In “Intersectionl Feminism” by Living in Colour, Bee Quammie states, intersectionality is “a framework to show and highlight the ways that different identities experience the world differently and face discrimination in different ways and kind of layering and intersecting ways”. In the early stages of feminism, only privileged white women were catered to, and now, in the third-wave, there is suddenly a new idea that everyone should be treated equally despite their background.

Quammie also gives a prime example of mainstream feminism, stating, ‘Well, we’re all women so we’re all fighting for the same thing. We all have the same struggle’. This is clearly false and goes against what intersectionality stands for. In the third wave of feminism, intersectionality means celebrating and addressing one’s unique traits that may not deem them as a ‘normal’ womxn, but in the end, they are still a womxn. The issue with addressing mainstream feminism and no other kind is that it can prove to be confusing to many, even womxn of color. In Ava Vidal’s “‘Intersectional Feminism.’ What the Hell is it? (And Why you Should Care)”, she remembers a time where she discussed the issue of feminism with a Muslim womxn whom hated it. She was strong about her opinion of hating feminism, when in reality, she hated the idea of mainstream feminism, while she had no idea that intersectional feminism even existed.