Intersectionality
describes the overlapping and interaction of different forms of discrimination. People combine different characteristics and identities. Intersectionality takes into account that people are often disadvantaged because of several characteristics/identities.
The General Equal Treatment Act defines the following dimensions of discrimination: “Discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity” (AGG, §1). In our work, we supplement this catalog with discrimination based on social origin as well as social and economic position. However, the dimensions of discrimination do not correspond to uniform groups. For example, a person can be a woman, black and lesbian at the same time and therefore experience sexism, racism and homophobia. The different forms of discrimination do not simply add up, but lead to specific experiences of discrimination. For example, a Black lesbian woman can experience exclusion both in the Black community and in the queer community. She also has different experiences than a Black man or a white woman, for example.
In Germany, the term intersectionality has been used by Black women, women of color, lesbian women, Jewish and Muslim women and women with disabilities, among others, to criticize the women's movement for not taking enough account of their realities.
Source: Diversity Arts Culture