In holding space for narratives often left out of modern feminism and many social justice groups, my hope is that we can begin the conversation. In my research throughout this program I have seen consistently researchers and authors discuss gaps in research for the intersection of specific identities and “survivor”. Yet, even when it is discussed that survivors of sexual violence does not have space in current research, these authors continue the cycle by not researching these important intersections. By creating space in this format I might be able to support the ending of that cycle. As an individual who works with individuals who have experienced sexual violence, I see firsthand just how unique each survivor is. With the added experiences of culture, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and residency status, the experience of survivorship is changed and shaped, each one as unique as the individual sitting in-front of me. By creating space for the conversation to begin and for the gaps to begin being filled, my hope is that others doing the work, other advocates, social justice workers, and non-profits begin to see the identities they erase by centering their work around current research and modern feminism. The experience of the survivor can only be supported if the whole person can be seen, honored, and respected. This is only the beginning of the conversations, and much like the other researchers discussed above, this needs to push further assessment around other intersectionality identities and experiences.
Within the intersections of modern feminism and sexual violence, various other identities would likely also have influence on the individual experience of a survivor. Yet within these two areas of work the dominant narrative is told through cisgender, white, western lenses. Where then, is space in the discussion for the undoubtedly equally; if not more, effected by sexual violence communities such as BIPOC, trans and nonbinary women and people, migrants, and others in the discussion? The glaring lack of research and narrative work done on these communities dictates the direct service and support these communities get. By highlighting stories and research done on the above communities, this page hopes to allow for the narrative to shift to include and intentionally value these intersectional experiences. By evaluating the experiences of survivors within Indigenous communities, the LGBTQIAA2+ community, and the migrant community, this page will attempt to open the space within nonprofit and community focused organizational work. Using specific examples and connecting those to tools for communication one can begin to conceptualize the need for intersectionality aware community work. By providing examples of integral intersections as well as creating a framework for dialogue within these spaces attempting to provide aid, this could support the work within this domain to be further representative of the individuals, communities, and cultures they serve. In order to truly and fully serve the communities these organizations wish to support it is essential that the work comes from an intersectional and trauma informed survivor-centered framework.