Intersectionality isn't quite as simple as acknowledging that one person can experience 2 or more kinds of oppression. I first encountered this article "Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color" by Kimberle Williams Crenshaw's back in the mid 1990's and it has a massive influence on my thinking as a feminist.
This was around the time of the OJ Simpson trial after the murder of his wife Nicole. Many African American feminists were being criticised by white feminists for pointing to the racism inherent in the case rather than conceptualising it simply as the misogynist murder of a woman. Male civil rights leaders criticised them for highlighting Simpson's previous abuse of his wife and the inherent misogyny of the case, rather than just viewing it as evidence of a racist criminal justice system. It was as if feminists of colour were expected to choose between two intrinsic parts of their identity by those leading movements for advancement/liberation/emancipation of people with those two identities. But, the white feminists and male civil rights leaders both held greater privilege than the women of colour.
The experience of being someone at an "intersection" of identities is unique, more than just experiencing one kind of oppression with a helping of another oppression ladled on. Intersectionality also recognises that it's not appropriate to assume that one type of oppression (say misogyny) is more serious or has a greater impact than others (say racism or classism.) That's what happened with the condemnation of Feminists of colour related to the OJ Simpson case.
I've heard some feminists here insist they understand intersectionality, then go on to demonstrate that they really haven't a clue - that they still believe patriarchal oppression is absolutely at the root of all forms oppression, trumps all other forms of oppression, but oh yes, of course we know it's extra bad for black women, disabled women, Muslim women, etc. Nope, that doesn't cut it.
And this actually is something that worries me alot. Ten or 15 years ago, I would have never countenanced organising a women's event without including the full access details in the publicity info, without stating clearly who the event was for and other measures taken to ensure inclusivity. I'd have been working with and learning from both organisations working for and with women who experience intersectional oppression and those that work with people generally who experience other forms of oppression (e.g. mental health, disability, LBGTQ, young people, older people, Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, etc.) I certainly wouldn't be expecting participants to contact a venue directly to find out about disability access. I wouldn't be suggesting those wanting a quiet room (for prayer, for resting, for breastfeeding, for whatever,) go to a nearby garden or Starbucks! I wouldn't be excusing the lack of info and facilities on not having enough money.
I'm gobsmacked and quite despaired that feminists seem to be moving away from an understanding of intersectionality both in their analysis of oppression, but by indirectly excluding those who experience intersectional oppression from discussions and events. So, I'm not surprised someone asked whether Lesbians were welcome at the Manchester event, and someone else pointed out angrily that there was no information on access and no specific sessions on disability, and someone else asked about whether trans women were welcome. I'm guessing the organisers probably just didn't think about these things. And not thinking is exactly the problem.
On this thread, Goth Anne pointed out (Sat 02-Jun-12 02:30:57) a perfect example of failing to site patriarchal oppression within an intersectional framework, and it was 'splained away - clearly not important enough to worry about.
Just wanted to clarify the misunderstanding/misrepresentation of intersectionality for those genuinely interested. While I don't think this message board represents the broad swathe of opinions within feminism, I do worry that the lurch to more fundamentalism, efforts to reboot selected 2nd wave feminist thinking with the prescriptive views and behaviour is at the expense of intersectionality, inclusion, and the opportunity to work with others who experience oppression to have a stronger voice and better chance of achieving shared goals.
So, I don't think it's "safe" to assume people will know whether or not they are genuinely welcome at a feminist event, nor that they actually will be if the organisers are unable or unwilling to engage with intersectionality. Similarly, on this message board, it seems few members are willing to engage with intersectionality, so there's not alot of point in me being here either.
Night all.