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What is intersectionality?
What is intersectionality?
In basic terms, intersectionality is the idea that people's life experiences are based on the multiple identities that they may have.
The term "intersectionality" was first coined by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, who defined it as: "the overlap of social categorizations or identities such as race and ethinicity, sexuality, gender, disability, geography, and class which exist in an individual or group of people that can contribute to discrimination or disadvantage" (PFLAG, 2024).
Why is intersectionality important?
Why is intersectionality important?
It's important to understand the way intersectionality plays a role in the experiences and lives of young LGBTQIA+ people, especially the negative effects intersectionality has on young LGBTQIA+ people of color.
According to the Trevor Project (2023), LGBTQIA+ young people of color experienced higher rates of suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and discrimination.
Taking an intersectional approach to cultural humility in our roles as librarians will allow us to recognize and address the needs of young LGBTQIA+ people. Being aware of the negative effects of intersectionality will allow us to address power imbalances and advocate for those disproportionately at risk or disadvantaged.
The Human Rights Campaign has a collection of reports focused on issues young LGBTQIA+ people face. The reports included below contain responses to surveys from LGBTQIA+ youth.
YA Intersectionality Book Recommendations
YA Intersectionality Book Recommendations
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Every Day by David Levithan
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
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