In the landscape of feminism, the concept of intersectionality is vital yet frequently overlooked. Coined by Black civil rights activist Kimberlé Crenshaw in the 1980s, intersectionality explores how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation—interact within systems of oppression and discrimination.
As a woman of color, I have often found myself reluctant to identify as a feminist. Initially, I attributed this hesitance to societal stigma surrounding the term. However, upon reflection, I recognized that it stemmed from a feeling that the dominant narratives of feminism didn’t encompass my experiences. The brand of feminism that I encountered—much like that experienced by many—was predominantly a white narrative, and this realization prompted me to scrutinize contemporary feminist discourse to understand why women of color, particularly Black women, remained marginalized.
Women of color, queer women, and those who do not fit neatly into the traditional narratives of feminism are increasingly frustrated by the persistent exclusion from these discussions. In a world where the “other” is rapidly becoming the majority, it is essential to elevate these voices to create a more inclusive feminist movement.
Historically, the exclusion of women of color from the feminist movement is not a novel phenomenon. Early suffragettes prioritized the rights of white women, arguing that they deserved the vote before Black men—whom they deemed inferior. Consequently, Black women were often completely disregarded in these discussions.
During the second wave of feminism, which arose after the Civil Rights Movement, white women permitted the participation of Black women, but often only in a superficial manner. Had there been a genuine commitment to inclusion, the need for intersectionality in modern feminist discourse might not be as pressing.
As feminism gained momentum in contemporary society, the racial divides within the movement became increasingly apparent. In a post-Obama America, many white women celebrated their support for a Black president, yet the underlying tensions surfaced when they questioned women of color’s commitment to feminism, particularly during the 2016 election. Despite Black women’s historical support for candidates who advocate for their rights, they were often dismissed as divisive for voicing their concerns about a lack of representation.
For instance, Black women overwhelmingly backed Hillary Clinton during the election, contrasting sharply with the 45 percent of college-educated white women who voted for Donald Trump without a compelling rationale. Black women also played a crucial role in mobilizing voters against Roy Moore in Alabama, demonstrating their commitment to justice beyond their own experiences.
The co-opting of efforts by white women is evident in events such as the Women’s March, which was initially inspired by the Million Woman March, organized by Black women in response to the Million Man March in 1997. From the outset, the leadership of the Women’s March predominantly featured white individuals, and although there was an attempt to diversify in response to criticism, many women of color still felt sidelined. The presence of celebrity women of color at these events did not translate into meaningful inclusion, as the overarching themes often failed to address issues pertinent to Black women and other marginalized groups.
The #MeToo movement, initially founded by Tarana Burke, was also appropriated by white women, diluting its original intent focusing on the healing of Black women who endured sexual violence. The lack of representation for women of color within the narrative of this movement, particularly in high-profile cases, underscores the ongoing struggle for inclusion. When Burke was not featured in a Time Magazine cover photo dedicated to the movement she helped create, it highlighted the systemic exclusion of Black women from spaces they helped cultivate.
This is why intersectionality is crucial in feminist discourse: a singular perspective cannot encapsulate the diverse experiences of all women. White women have historically dominated the narrative, and alternative viewpoints are often dismissed as divisive. When Black women and other women of color speak out about their unique struggles and seek inclusion, they are frequently silenced and labeled as troublemakers.
In conversations about these disparities, it is vital for white, cisgender, heterosexual women to listen and acknowledge their privilege. Rather than responding defensively, they should validate the concerns of their friends from marginalized backgrounds and commit to amplifying their voices. We do not seek sympathy; we desire recognition and understanding of our lived realities.
Our aim is not to usurp the privileges of white women but rather to assert our right to the opportunities that we have been led to believe are our birthright.
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In summary, the feminist movement must strive for inclusivity by embracing intersectionality. Only then can we ensure that all women’s voices are heard and valued.