Understanding your Intersectional Identity

It’s that time of year where most of us make New Year Resolutions. But, instead of being a new you, have you ever taken the time to understand your intersectional identity. If we do not typically know who we are, then how do we know where we are going. Our identities are so complex. Most of the time we think that out of the different life hats that we wear that we are one thing or another. It is important to know that our identities are intersectional meaning that each portion of who we are adds to our identity it doesn’t subtract. For example if we identify as female, who is a professional and is married and has kids, we would say that: this individual is a Woman, who is a working professional, who is a wife and mother.

It is important that the professional hat does not completely take precedence, nor being a wife, mother or even being a woman. These are all different parts to a whole. As human beings it is important to recognize the different ways that our intersectional identities serve us.

Here are 5 ways intersectional identities are important:

1. You are more than one of the identity hats you wear- This is so important to remember. We let certain categories of who we are take precedence and we do not take into account who we are as people. We are more than that student hat or even the mom hat and more. They all are important.
2. They inform us on who we are- Taking inventory of our identity allows us to be informed about our likes and dislikes. What we stand for and might bring room to be confident in who we are and what we want to do with our lives.
3. Our identities allow us to know what we like and do not like in this life- Knowing preferences and giving yourself the space for choice can allow us to understand ourselves better.
4. Understanding our intersectional identities allows us to look forward to the future- It’s amazing when we know who we are, because if we give ourselves the time to explore we might discover what will be best for our future.
5. Lastly, if you are struggling with your identity or feel like you need support with mental health challenges feel free to reach out to our practice for services.