Whereas intersecting identities is a concept that describes an individual with multiple converging social identities (e.g., sex, gender, race), intersectionality is a theory that describes overlapping and interdependent systems of advantages and disadvantage because of social identities. While all identities are valid, there are intersecting identities that confer more disadvantage. For example, a working class Black trans woman will have experiences of discrimination a white cisgender lesbian from a middle class background will not have experienced. We at Dream Life Out Loud want to support all clients in living more authentically and radically, AND we want to liberate those identities that are most oppressed. After all, an elevator benefits all bodies, not just disabled bodies.
Be Who You Want To Be
What identities do you think about most often? What identities do you think about least? Why might you consider some of your identities more than other identities? What experiences lead you to consider the identities that are more salient for you?
Complexities of Identity
“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.”
-Ralph Ellison
Identity is your sense of self – defined distinctive physical, psychological, and interpersonal characteristics and traits unique to you, your ethnicity and identified social roles. Your identity may be made up of;
- Biological sex
- Gender
- Race
- National origin
- Sexual orientation
- Religion or spiritual affiliation
- Ethnicity
- Age
- First language
- Socioeconomic class
- Physical, emotional, and developmental ability/disability
Body Positivity, Differently Abled and Neurodivergence
We aim to drive acceptance for all bodies in all shapes, sizes, and colors. This is reflected through intersectionality as an area of emerging focus at Dream Life Out Loud. With our clinical supervisor who identifies as Queer, Black, Korean American, differently abled, and neurodivergent, at the helm, Dream Life Out Loud is building our own culture to improve existing policies and practices to make it safer for those who lack body privilege, ability privilege and live with neurodivergence.
Our Approach
Dream Life Out Loud’s approach to supporting clients with intersecting identities is inclusive of, and not limited to:
- Intersectionality
- Culturally sensitive
- Trauma and racially trauma informed
- Relational/attachment-based
- Strengths-based
Identity, especially intersecting identities, is complex and nuanced. We want you to be who you want to be. We want you to be all of you, and we are available to support you in living more fully and wholly as you want to be.