Understanding Intersectionality and LGBTQIA+ Identity

Parenting is a journey filled with questions, learning, and love. As the world becomes more open and inclusive, many of us are learning new terms, concepts, and ways to support our children in becoming their most authentic selves. One important concept that’s gaining more attention is intersectionality – especially when it comes to understanding LGBTQIA+ identities.

This guide is here to help you understand what intersectionality means, how it connects with LGBTQIA+ experiences, and how you can support your child (or children in your community) with empathy, awareness, and pride.

You’ll find more information about sex education in my Sex Education 101 page.

Let’s get started!

What Is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is a term coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how different parts of a person’s identity, like race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, and more intersect and impact the way they experience the world.

Think of it like a crossroads! A person might be navigating life not just as someone who’s LGBTQIA+, but also as someone who is Black, Indigenous, disabled, neurodivergent, or from a lower-income background. Each identity can bring its own challenges, but when combined, they can create unique forms of discrimination and resilience.

 Why Intersectionality Matters in LGBTQIA+ Conversations

When we talk about the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s easy to think of it as one group. But in reality, it’s many communities. A white gay teen in the suburbs may have a very different experience from a transgender Indigenous teen in a rural area. Both are valid and both deserve support, but we can’t fully understand their needs if we don’t also consider the other aspects of who they are.

Here’s why intersectionality matters:

• Visibility and Voice: Marginalised groups within LGBTQIA+ communities, such as Black trans women or disabled queer people, are often underrepresented or face higher risks of violence and discrimination.
• Access to Support: Not everyone has equal access to safe healthcare, mental health support, or affirming school environments. Intersectional awareness helps us advocate for better, more equitable systems.
• More Compassionate Parenting: Understanding your child through an intersectional lens helps you see their full, beautiful complexity – not just one part of their identity.

 A Closer Look: LGBTQIA+ Identities in an Intersectional World

Let’s break down a few examples to help bring this to life:

• A queer South American teen may face cultural expectations that conflict with their identity, leading to feelings of isolation. They might also struggle with racism and language barriers in LGBTQIA+ spaces.
• A transgender Black youth may experience both transphobia and racism, which can amplify stress and anxiety. But they also may draw strength from a vibrant cultural and community history.
• A bisexual teen with a disability might feel invisible in both queer spaces and disability advocacy, where one identity is often prioritised over the other.

Each of these young people needs something slightly different – and intersectionality helps us recognise that.

How Parents Can Be Supportive Allies

1. Listen More Than You Speak. Your child may be exploring not just their sexuality or gender, but also how those things connect to their culture, religion, or background. Create a space where they feel heard without judgment.
2. Educate Yourself. You don’t need to know everything right away. Start with books, articles, or podcasts by LGBTQIA+ individuals from diverse backgrounds. Learn at your own pace and don’t be afraid to ask questions with humility!
3. Validate All Parts of Their Identity. Avoid saying things like, “I don’t see colour” or “You’re just like everyone else” as this can be considered erasure of an integral aspect of their identity. It’s more powerful to say, “I see who you are, and I love every part of you.”
4. Support Intersectional Causes. Get involved in or donate to organisations that uplift LGBTQIA+ youth of colour, trans youth, or others with layered identities. Representation and resources matter!
5. Stand Up Against Injustice. If you see racism, homophobia, or transphobia, especially in your schools, community, or family – speak up! Your advocacy can make a huge difference.

What If You’re Still Learning or Struggling?

That’s totally okay. Many parents were raised in environments where these conversations didn’t happen. Growth takes time, and you’re not alone. What matters most is being open, staying curious, and leading with love. 

Intersectionality reminds us that no one is just one thing. Your child is a whole universe of experiences, feelings, and identities. Embracing this can deepen your bond, expand your worldview, and make your family stronger.

So keep asking questions. Keep listening. Keep growing. And most importantly – keep loving your child, exactly as they are!

Final Thought

Your child is more than just one label or experience – they are a beautifully layered, whole human being. When you take the time to understand how race, culture, disability, gender, sexuality, and other parts of identity can overlap, you’re showing them that every part of who they are matters.

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to keep showing up with love, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. That’s what true allyship – and parenting – looks like.

References

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstract/2782364#google_vignette

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09593535241238073

https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307676?journalCode=ajph

https://www.lgbtiqintersect.org.au/learning-modules/intersectionality/