Intersectionality

Originating in Black Feminist scholarship, intersectionality refers to the convergence of multiple systems of oppression that together underlie the ways that individuals interact with the world around them and how they are treated by others. For LGBTQ+ people, experiences of discrimination, rejection, and violence contribute to negative health outcomes. Yet, the LGBTQ community is comprised of many sexual identities and gender modalities, diverse racial and ethnic groups, differing abilities, and a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Understanding how different systems of oppression intersect to impact individual health requires taking an intersectional approach to research. Through an intersectional lens, we are studying how sexual and gender minority people of color experience stigma, how intersectional stigma contributes to health disparities, and what unique strengths may lie at the intersection of race/ethnicity and sexual/gender identity. Using this empirical data and feedback from participants, we are evaluating the impact of existing and adapted interventions for sexual and gender minority people of color.

• Rodriguez-Seijas, C., Burton, C. L., Adeyinka, O., & Pachankis, J. E. (2019). On the quantitative study of multiple marginalization: Paradox and potential solution. Stigma and Health, 4(4), 495–502. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000166