The Intricacies of Intersectionality

Disclaimer- The following piece is based on a mix of opinions and facts derived from various sources. We do not intend to offend the sentiments of any individual or community. 

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Being queer is not easy by anyone's definition of the term. There are challenges to be faced everyday and hurdles to be overcome constantly. But sometimes the life of a queer individual can be made even more complex by other factors of their identity.

Intersectionality is a theory that studies the ways in which a mix of various social and political identities of an individual intersect to create unique systems of discrimination and disadvantages. Various markers of identity like gender, caste, race, class, sexuality, disability, etc. can intersect with each other and affect the life of a person. 

Intersectionality as a theory was introduced in 1989 by Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American scholar. While originally the theory was formulated to understand how the experience of a woman-of-colour differs from a white woman, it has since been extended much further. Today, it is used to understand various modern identities and the way they interact with each other. Even the concept of gender in itself has become much more diversified than it was at the time.  

A theory like intersectionality becomes even more relevant in an excessively diverse landscape like India. In our country, every individual has multiple kinds of identities, multiple communities that they are a part of. No two individuals have the exact same experience, they don't encounter the same circumstances. A lot of social, political, economic and cultural factors impact their lived experience. 

It is not fair to compare the experiences of two different individuals, especially in the context of them coming to terms with their sexual and gender identity. It is a highly personal journey that everyone has to take at their own pace, influenced greatly by the environment around them. 

For instance, a trans person belonging to a lower caste will have a much higher level of disadvantage in society than someone from a high caste background. A homosexual in an urban family might have a much better understanding of their identity than someone who hails from a rural setting. Exposure and acceptance vary greatly across the topography of the country. Disability also becomes another significant identity marker in this case. Overlapping with the queer identity of an individual, it can cause great social hurdles in their acceptance. 

It is important to understand that every individual lives a unique experience. Just like feminism does not mean the same thing for every woman, so does queer theory. What recognition and equality means to someone will depend entirely upon their particular circumstances. It is necessary to recognize these differences, no experience should be overshadowed by another. When we talk about queer rights, we include all individuals who identify as queer regardless of their social background. 

As a nation, we have always endorsed the principles of equality and justice. Intersectionality is an integral part of understanding the queer community at large and the issues individuals of the group face on a daily basis. Understanding intersectionality is important because only then can we truly comprehend the complex structures of society, the disadvantages various people face and come up with ways to enhance their quality of life.