The term intersectionality was first used by Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989, to describe the interconnectedness of social identities such as race, gender, sexuality and class. Intersectionality is where these identities overlap causing unequal experiences of oppression and privilege, hence, understanding what intersectionality means is very important for political change and social justice activism.
Intersectionality has played an important role in politics by shaping political movements and social justice activism. Different communities with intersecting identities have come together to fight for equality and justice, leading to some of the most successful social movements in history.
One of the notable examples where intersectionality made a huge impact in politics was during the Civil Rights Movement. Blacks were fighting for equal rights and an end to racial discrimination led this movement which involved leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. But it wasn’t only about color alone but even gender because women such as Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer joined them not only on behalf of black people but also women stood up against any kind of segregation. The success behind the civil rights movement was due to intensity between race and sex.
Another remarkable demonstration of intersectional politics occurs within LGBTQ+ community’s struggle for rights. The LGBTQ+ community includes people from different races, genders, socio-economic backgrounds etc. Therefore, this movement has been successful partly because it was not limited strictly on homosexuality alone instead acknowledges that LGBTI discrimination does not invlove only sexual preference but also involves racism sexism or financial standing among others . This blending of identity intersections has created a broader movement that has made significant strides towards gaining more rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Moreover, communities with intersecting Identities can work together to bring about meaningful change through their participation in Politics. For instance, in January 2017, the Women's March brought together women from diverse racial ethnicities & economic status who protested against sexism racism as well as other forms of oppression they faced uniformly as females regardless of their differences in many aspects. The Women’s March was not only about gender but also represented various racial ethnicities thus it acknowledged the intersectionality of gender, and how it fits into our multiple and complex identities as well as possible vectors of oppression.
In conclusion, intersectional politics plays a crucial role towards shaping political movements and social justice activism. In other words immediate success of communities with intersecting identities has depended on seeing the crossroads made by different social groups. A better understanding and joint efforts is what we need to effect meaningful changes in politics and society as a whole.