Intersectional feminism goes far beyond any mainstream media feminism that Amy Schumer and Taylor Swift are always preaching about. It does not aim just for men=women, but rather scratches farther beneath the surface and recognizes the struggles that all minorities have to go through.

As USA Today writer, Alia E. Dastagir, states “If feminism is advocating for women’s rights and equality between the sexes, intersectional feminism is the understanding of how women’s overlapping identities — including race, class, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation — impact the way they experience oppression and discrimination.”

There tends to be much confusion and controversy surrounding feminism. As a feminist I have been accused multiple times of “hating men”. Intersectional feminism is not about “hating” anyone, it is about spreading love for everyone.  It is not about taking rights away from people, it is about giving rights to those who need it and deserve it.

Intersectional feminism recognizes that transgender women are suffering to gain equality more than a cisgender woman might. Intersectional feminism recognizes that a straight white male is not going to be profiled in the same manner that a gay black male might. Intersectional feminism is searching for equality, not only between white, cisgender, straight, able bodied men and women, but for everyone.

Intersectional feminism will help society move forward, even more than it already has. As Ava Vidal, a writer for The Telegraph, explains, “Until the mainstream feminist movement starts listening to the various groups of women within it, then it will continue to stagnate and not be able to move forward. The only result of this is that the movement will become fragmented and will continue to be less effective”.

The definition of intersectionality is “the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.”

To put it in simpler terms, we’re all connected. So why not stick up for each other? Silence is just another way of permitting violence.    

Intersectional feminism is something that needs to be recognized more. It is something that will truly “Make America Great Again”, as it does not build walls and divide us. It is something that will bring individuals together, to conquer discrimination and prejudice.