Intersectional Fiction

Post by Kassandra, Information Services staff

With the rise of social movements, increase in demand for diverse literature, and talks about equity, the word intersectional is being used a lot. What does this word mean? What is intersectionality? How does this relate to fiction?

What is Intersectionality?

Several coloured circles all partially overlapping. Each circle has a word "racial identity, Gender, Nationality, Disability, Sexuality" — Image source

Intersectionality refers to the interconnections of social identities and how they interact with systems of marginalization. Social identities can include: race, sexuality, gender, geography (where you live), financial situation, housing situation, health, ability, religion, and more. Intersectionality discusses how the overlapping of these social identities influences the way in which we function, are seen, and view the world we live in.

What does this have to do with fiction?

What is intersectional fiction?

A collage of books that fall into the intersectional fiction category. — Image source

Intersectional fiction is a genre of literature that focuses on intersectional facets of identity and explores the relation of that identity to society. Some popular topics in intersectional fiction include the experiences of racism, the experiences of gender/sexuality, experiences of being neurodiverse, and/or having a disability in an able bodied word. Some popular books in this category include The Hate U Give, Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and Wonder. This genre of book is more popular in young adult fiction and junior fiction novels, but can also be found in adult fiction.

With the rise of intersectional fiction comes the rise of the #OwnVoices genre. This is a genre of book in which people write stories and characters that reflect their own experiences in society. This genre encourages writers to reflect on their own experiences with marginalization and write that experience into their protagonist’s story.

Want to read outside of your comfort zone? Want to explore #OwnVoices? Check out the resources below!