Recognizing Overlapping Identities and Equity in the Workplace
Intersectionality Awareness Month, observed every April, highlights how different parts of our identities—such as race, gender, sexuality, ability, and class—interact to shape unique experiences of privilege and oppression. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, intersectionality has become a vital framework for understanding and addressing complex inequities. Bringing this lens to workplace DEI ensures that inclusion efforts are thoughtful, respectful, and truly holistic.
Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge Intersectionality Awareness Month? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.
Why This Holiday Matters
Intersectionality Awareness Month can be more than just awareness—it can spark transformative workplace change. Here’s how it connects to DEI:
✅ It acknowledges that identities don’t exist in isolation—systems of power impact people differently depending on how identities overlap.
✅ It empowers organizations to design policies and programs that truly support all employees, not just the most visible groups.
✅ It creates space to discuss how privilege and marginalization operate together—especially for those at identity intersections.
✅ It fosters cultural humility by encouraging collective learning and ongoing accountability to historically excluded voices.
This holiday reminds us that without intersectional thinking, DEI work risks leaving some people behind.
One Inclusive Celebration Idea
Try this meaningful, inclusive activity to mark Intersectionality Awareness Month:
Host an “Intersectional Insights” Team Dialogue.
Here’s how:
Invite team members to reflect on how multiple identities have influenced their workplace experiences—especially in terms of inclusion, opportunity, or bias.
Provide prompts like:
- Has being at a certain identity intersection shaped how you experienced inclusion at work?
- What intersectional challenge or strength do you wish more teammates understood?
Encourage courageous yet respectful storytelling. There’s no need for perfect answers—just honest conversation and shared understanding.
This activity helps teams see each other’s complexity and fosters deeper allyship across differences.
👉 Ready to explore more workplace‑ready tips? Keep reading.
Ready for More?
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Pause & Reflect
How is your organization centering intersectional voices in its DEI policies, programs, and leadership?
