The term "double discrimination" refers to the experience of being subjected to multiple forms of prejudice and marginalization based on one's intersecting identities. For members of the LGBTQ+ community who also belong to racialized groups such as Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American Pacific Islanders, etc., this phenomenon has been particularly devastating. In addition to facing homophobia and transphobia within their own communities, they may also face racism from both mainstream society and those within their LGBTQ+ circles. This can result in a sense of isolation, alienation, and powerlessness that makes it difficult for these individuals to fully thrive in any aspect of their lives.
There have been some strategies proven effective in resisting compounded oppression, including building coalitions across diverse social markers, advocating for inclusive policies and practices, and promoting self-care and collective care practices.
One strategy for combating double discrimination is to build coalitions among various identity groups. By uniting around shared goals and values, members of different minority communities can work together to challenge dominant narratives, create space for dialogue and understanding, and promote positive change. This approach has already been successful in several contexts, such as the civil rights movement in the United States or the feminist struggle for gender equality.
LGBTQ+ activists have joined forces with Black Lives Matter activists to highlight the ways in which police brutality disproportionately targets queer people of color, while Native Americans have partnered with environmentalists to fight against extractive industries' exploitation of land and resources. By working collaboratively, these movements have gained strength and visibility, helping them to overcome obstacles that would have otherwise prevented their success.
Another strategy is advocacy at policy levels. Advocacy involves educating policymakers about the unique challenges faced by doubled marginalized communities and encouraging them to adopt policies that address those issues.
Advocates could push for laws protecting the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals in healthcare settings or school environments. They may also demand reforms to systems of justice and law enforcement that disproportionately target people from racialized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Such efforts require ongoing engagement, collaboration, and commitment but have led to tangible changes in some instances, particularly when supported by a broad network of allies.
Self-care and collective care practices play an essential role in resisting compounded oppression. Self-care involves taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually to maintain resilience and well-being. Collective care entails caring for others within one's community, creating safe spaces where members can support each other through difficult times. Both approaches help reduce isolation and build resiliency among members of minority groups who face multiple forms of discrimination.
Double discrimination is a complex phenomenon that affects LGBTQ+ individuals in diverse ways. While there are no easy solutions to combating it, strategies such as coalition building, advocacy, and self-care/collective care can create meaningful change. By working together, these communities can challenge dominant narratives, promote positive social change, and empower themselves in the process.