intersectional

[in-ter-sek-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. of or relating to to an intersection, or a place where two or more roads, lines, or elements meet.

   intersectional traffic flow.

2. noting or relating to intersectionality, the theory that the overlap of social identities contributes to the specific type of oppression and discrimination experienced by an individual.

   Intersectional feminism raises the profile of underrepresented minority women and addresses many diverse challenges to gender equality.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersectional¹

First recorded in 1845–50; intersection ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

“I don’t know why that became the thing that gets me the most angry. I think it’s because it’s so intersectional that it overlaps with everything from climate change to LGBTQIA+ issues.”

From Los Angeles Times

The junior from Palisades made a believer out of everyone who witnessed Thursday night’s season opener at Harvard-Westlake, catching four touchdown passes in the Dolphins’ 37-34 intersectional victory.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is an intersectional issue. This affects all of us.”

From Los Angeles Times

An easier path to the playoffs is no reason to cancel the most storied intersectional rivalry in sports.

From Los Angeles Times

Post-Civil War, you discuss how there were certainly what we would call today kind of “intersectional” feminists, like Lucy Parsons, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.

From Salon