Intersectional Ways to Activate, Today.
by Bailey McCafferty
At genEquality, equality and inclusion are not exclusive to one gender, one race, or one identity. Therefore, we always try to promote intersectionality with everything that we do. Below are some great ways to begin or continue your intersectional activism journey, using a few of our #Activations. Pick one—or a couple—and get to it!
#ActionsInformCulture: Did you know that 47% of transgender women and over 50% of Indigenous women have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime? We must act for all people who have been sexually assaulted, no matter their race, gender, or identity. Not sure how to prevent sexual assault? Click here for what to do if someone you know feels unsafe, and here for eight ways you can help right now.
#CleanHumor: Never, ever make fun—or allow others to make fun—of people because of their race, gender, identity, etc. It’s just not okay. Jokes should be made to uplift all people, not tear them down. Not sure how to call out someone who makes these types of comments? Here’s a helpful resource.
#ElectBroadly: Right now, the US Congress is 22% people of color and 24% women—and this Congress is the most diverse one ever. We’ve got lots of work to do. Start by signing up for the Elect Broadly Letter-Writing initiative, at www.votefwd.org/genequality. This initiative was started to increase voter turnout and elect diverse candidates, by writing letters to voters encouraging them to join us as Elect Broadly voters this November!
#EqualWorkEqualPay: On average, women who work full-time are paid 80 cents to every white man’s dollar. While this statistic is already unacceptable, Black women are paid 61 cents for the same dollar, and Latinas are paid only 53 cents. Here’s one article with action steps to close this gender and racial pay gap once and for all.
#GreetNeutrally: There’s no need for gendered or racialized greetings and language. Want to change some everyday phrases to make them more inclusive? Try these tips from the United Nations and look at this article to see what everyday language actually has racist origins.
#InvestEquitably: Investing equitably starts at the individual level. We can all support women and minorities. Try donating to non-profits and other organizations that promote equality, whether through education, politics, sports, and more. Or, start implementing more local BIPOC-owned and women-owned businesses into your shopping routine.
#MindTheAdjective: Adjectives can reinforce harmful stereotypes, so be careful about what words you use towards women, BIPOC, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Not sure what adjectives just aren’t okay? Here’s a list of adjectives to avoid that enforce gendered stereotypes, and here’s a list of microaggressions, which includes harmful adjectives often used towards BIPOC people.
#Represent: Try implementing diverse creators into your everyday life. Need some new books to read? Here’s a list of great books written by Black authors, and here’s a list of great books by LGBTQ+ authors. More of a movie person? Watch a film from this list of the 100 best movies directed by women. Or, better yet...if you’ve ever thought about unleashing your own creativity, create something of your own, and not letting any stereotypes get your way!
#SeeingIsBelieving: It’s obvious that we need more diversity in TV shows, movies, podcasts, and all other media. If you believe that women and people of color should have opportunities to create and lead in the world of Hollywood and entertainment, put your time and attention into it. Start by paying attention to who stars in, directs, and produces all the entertainment you consume. Have you never watched a film by a black director? Start now. Haven’t ever seen a TV show that includes transgender actors? Find one here to watch!
#ShareTheWork: Sharing the work isn’t exclusive to housework and other essential tasks, although these gaps do appear to be universal. Sharing the work also means advocating for an end to systemic racism, even if you aren’t negatively affected by it. To learn more about what #ShareTheWork and activism have in common, read our two blog posts on this activation, found here and here.
The world changes when we decide to make change happen. Oftentimes change is sparked by the actions of a few people, but it is always sustained by the actions of many. Join us, and let’s share the work of creating a better future for all.