Intersectional Activism

LGBTQ activists can utilize numerous approaches for achieving civil rights, and most fall under one of two categories: single-issue approach and intersectional activism. Every political organization, whether it is Lamda Legal or allgo, is associated with either the classic mainstream gay rights movement or the modern workings of queer liberation. While both forms of political activism are somewhat similar regarding their goals and focus on LGBTQ issues, they are actually incredibly different from one another. The overall focus, the method used to promote equality, and the consequences of each all differ greatly depending on whether a group uses the single-issue approach or the intersectional approach.

Often associated with the mainstream gay

Intersectional has a very obvious benefit, which is an increase in diversity as well as representation, which could even lead to higher amounts of participation and support. The single-issue approach has the advantage of focusing on human rights issues an “gay issues”, which has led to “Stunning success. . . and policy wins” (Defilippis & Anderson-Nathe, 110). The biggest cost of both types of activism is that their issues, goals, and focus may push away prospective supporters, because the approach may be too specific (or even too broad), which could cause donors to look somewhere else. This sense of identity found in almost all activist groups (especially minority political groups) can create problems as well as solve problems. All organizations know that identity categories are “Both necessary and dangerous distortions”, because a clear focus of who is considered a part of said identity can alienate as well as mobilize people. Basically, while a minority group needs to establish who they are organizing in order to recruit members, they need to be concerned with the large amount of people they are turning away. Depending on the approach used, the way one views oppression, the practice of political activism, and the associated pros and cons will be incredibly different. Whether it is choosing to organize around a small or large class of people or deciding if the targeted issue is considered a “gay issue” or a versatile issue, the characteristics of a group can greatly impact the future of the rights group. So, with diverse leadership, a sense of identity, and inspiring goals, perhaps both single-issue and intersectional groups can succeed in the current political