HOW I CAME TO VALUE INTERSECTIONALITY IN FEMINISM AS A DISABLED WOMAN

When I was first diagnosed with depression and anxiety I didn’t see myself as someone with a disAbility. When I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, I still didn’t. As I was getting accommodations in university for it, I still resisted. Why did I feel so defiant against this label?

Mental illness can be incapacitating. Although the definitions of disAbility are vast and complex, I think we can mostly agree that disorders that alter how you think, like mental illness, can be categorized within the spectrum of the definition.

As someone who identifies as a woman, I recognize the pressures that have historically been placed amongst people with the same gender identity as me. No matter what our experience, it seems that we struggle with underestimating ourselves. I see this happen with other identities as well.

Am I disAbled “enough” to identify as such?

Because my disAbilities are invisible, does it really count?

We see this picture play out in wretched situations involving gender – like sexual assault.

It wasn’t rape – does it really matter?

I was drunk – surely I’m to blame.

This culture of not internally validating our lived experiences is incredibly detrimental on a personal and societal level. It also keeps us from having a chance at understanding those who may identify differently than us.

Now I’m sure you’re wondering – where am I going with this? The point is to demonstrate that intersectionality is vital to everyone’s feminism. As a straight, cis-gender, white, middle-class person – there are some things that I will never understand by virtue of privilege. However, the limitations that are imposed on me because of being a woman with a disAbility help me conceptualize the idea of oppression because of identity.

We are, thankfully, progressing to a place where the variation of identities is seen as beautiful. I refuse to be shackled to the notion that difference is negative. You may never get what it’s like to “walk a mile in my shoes” – and I’m not necessarily asking you do. What I’m asking for is that you give a shit that my life may be different than yours and take that into consideration when making decisions for yourself.

To ask to have your existence recognized is not a selfish act! In fact, it’s one of survival. Sometimes, others need a bit of a nudge to recognize that the so-called “dominant” discourse isn’t reflective of the world that we live in.

The struggle of simply being acknowledged is frustrating as all hell. However, we must persevere and demand to be seen. Moreso, we need to challenge the institutions that have forever ignored us. And yes, we need more than just a seat at the table. The table needs to be ours. The table IS ours.

My experience with disAbility has led to my feminism to be more inclusive. For that I am thankful. If you take anything away from this rant, let it be the value of intersectionality. I leave you with the questions: Are you validating others’ realities? Do you consider other lived experiences when taking into consideration your personal choices? If the answers are no, I would gently suggest that you take these queries and reflect.

No one is perfect at this. I fail at it all the time. I have so much to learn, and likely, so do you. So let’s do it together, shall we? My hand is extended out to yours. Will you reach back?

In Solidarity,

Paige Kezima

Footnote: I speak only from my own experience and don’t claim to represent anyone else. I also recognize my privilege in being able to write these words and have you read them.