What intersectionality means
Intersectionality is a way to understand how different parts of a person’s identity can shape their experiences together. These parts may include race, disability, gender, age, religion, class, language, sexuality and family circumstances. None of us has just one identity, and the parts do not always affect our lives separately.
Imagine two people who both use wheelchairs. They may face similar physical barriers at a community event, but their experiences may differ if one also needs interpretation, has limited money for transport or is routinely treated differently because of race. Intersectionality asks us to notice how these circumstances combine rather than assuming that one accessibility fix will meet everyone’s needs. It does not require us to guess what someone’s life is like from a list of identities.
Why a single-category approach can miss people
Groups often plan for a broad category of people: “newcomers,” “older adults” or “people with disabilities.” That can be a useful starting point, but each group contains people with different needs and preferences. A translated event flyer, for example, may help some residents while remaining difficult to use for someone who relies on a screen reader. A step-free venue may be easier to enter but still feel unwelcoming to a person who cannot afford the activity fee.
Thinking intersectionally does not mean creating a separate solution for every possible combination of identities. It means looking for assumptions in a plan. Who is expected to have free time, reliable internet or a car? Who is expected to feel safe asking for help? Questions like these can reveal barriers that are easy to overlook when planning around an imagined “typical” participant.
Listen without making assumptions
Identity can influence someone’s experience without telling you exactly what they want. Two people who share a background may have different relationships to it, and a person may choose to discuss some parts of their identity but keep others private. Avoid asking someone to explain an entire community or to share personal experiences to justify a request.
Instead, offer clear choices and ask questions tied to the situation. A host might say, “We have a quiet room and several seating options. Is there anything else that would make it easier for you to take part?” In a workplace, a team might ask everyone how they prefer to receive meeting materials rather than singling out one colleague. Listen to the answer, respect a refusal to disclose details and follow through on what you can provide.
Make everyday spaces more flexible
Inclusive choices often help people for different reasons. Sharing an agenda in advance can support someone who uses assistive technology, someone working in a second language and someone arranging care responsibilities. Offering both spoken and written ways to contribute can make a meeting easier for people who process information differently, feel uncomfortable interrupting or cannot attend live.
Flexibility also matters at home and in community life. When inviting guests, share practical details such as the entrance, stairs, food options and expected noise level. At a local gathering, consider low-cost participation, clear signs, breaks and more than one way to join an activity. No single arrangement will suit everyone, so leave room for people to tell you what works and be willing to adjust.
Keep learning and share the work
Intersectionality is a lens for asking better questions, not a test of whether you have considered every identity. Start by looking at who can participate comfortably and who may be missing. If you organize activities, invite feedback through more than one channel and make it possible to respond without speaking in front of a group. When someone points out a barrier, focus first on understanding it rather than defending the original plan.
Responsibility for inclusion should not fall only on the people facing barriers. Hosts, colleagues and organizers can check access details, explain unfamiliar terms, make participation optional where possible and change routines that repeatedly exclude people. Small adjustments will not remove every difficulty, but they can make shared spaces more responsive to the real people who use them.
