The term ‘intersectionality’ was first coined about 30 years ago by Kimberlé Crenshaw, professor at Columbia University, USA. The Victorian government defines intersectionality as ‘the ways in which different aspects of a person’s identity can expose them to overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalisation.’
Aspects of identity can include First Nations identity, gender identity, sex, colour, race, visa status, language, age, disability, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and criminal record.
Forms of discrimination can include ableism, ageism, sexism, racism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, intersex discrimination and social stigma.