Equality Forward At the Intersection: Race, Sexuality and Gender : Page 3
as our own research has shown, overwhelmingly, one issue that has continued to re- ceive much attention is visibility, or representation and information. in both formal (focus groups, in-depth interviews and surveys) as well as informal (private discussions) re- search settings, LgBt people of color report that more work must be done to promote racial diversity within larger LgBt communities, as well as sexual diversity within ra- cialized communities. the inclination to rank, order or prioritize experiences of discrimi- nation is understandable. though it is important to continue to document the ways in which race and gender affect people, it is equally important to show that race and gen- der are not experienced singularly. that is, these identifiers function multiplicatively and are often used strategically and experienced contextually, often reflecting the social en- vironment and audience targeted. as a report, “at the intersection” contributes to our expanding knowledge about LgBt people of color. and it does so within the context of organizing for rights. this advocacy component is key because though LgBt people of color know and celebrate their own histories, advocacy groups are often criticized for failing to consider this when trying to create or dismantle ballot initiatives. in the coming months and years, we look forward to more research and more advocacy that provides better insight into understanding individual agency and the social and cultural contexts surrounding the experiences of LgBt people of color. ultimately, investigations such as this must drop down out of the elite world of research and into the broader environment of the lived experiences of the population described herein. if that happens, the greatest possible impact of this document is its potential to serve as a springboard for ideas, strategies and programs that smart, committed and willing-to-listen legislators, funders, academics, activists and thought leaders can create to improve the quality of life for LgBt people of color. www.hrc.org/equalityforward At the IntersectIon: RaCE, sExuaL oRiEntation and gEndER 3
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