Intersections

18 Feb, 2024

I think on most people's journeys to work through how their identity affects... well, everything, they will inevitably come to the concept of intersectionality. I didn't think of identity often. I always simply lived and went where the wind took me without considering if where I am blown made sense, and how I am as a person felt there. But lately, as my awareness grows, I have started listing in my head how I am a minority. I do this because my fate is tied to my identity and it merits thought. I have concluded that I am (objectively speaking) an:

I don't think I feel like talking through how these attributes or identities have affected me in the past. Much has been written and discussed about systemic bias and the toll it takes. I recommend for everyone to learn about it. Even minorities are guilty of all kinds of sins against others that are caused by bias. I have been working through the mistakes I've made through the years and being more mindful, but I know there's more work for me. But anyway, no delving into the past today. I think what I want to talk about the most is the future and how to honor identity. My identity, and the identities of those who have not been allowed to have a voice. I noticed I was reading a self-help book by a person of privilege. I realized... most of the books I have read that try to tell me how to be a better, happier person have been by... people of privilege. I feel many of us do this too. I thought to myself, why would I use my hard-earned cash, and my meager time on content created by a woman who had an epiphany after having an existential crisis, affording a sabbatical, and having some epic epiphany in a resort? Or the one who got a divorce and was able to afford to like, travel internationally?

I rebelled a little and promised myself to be more mindful. Yes, it's ok to listen to the resort lady and the Hollywood bro who was able to write a whole book about meditation. But let that be the minority. Let me make my majority the minorities who for one, have lived lives more similar to mine, understand my challenges, and deserve to be elevated. I want to celebrate those who get it. Those who have fought, grieved, and still feel like they're not enough. Those are the people who do what they do despite the challenges they face and from now on, they have my full attention.