15: Intersectionality, Money, and Mental Health

While large corporations are getting called in to speak on their stance on Black Lives Matter, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss why I open my podcast with the words "I'm a woman of color."

While large corporations are getting called in to speak on their stance on Black Lives Matter, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss why I open my podcast with the words “I’m a woman of color.” In this episode, you’ll start out by learning or relearning a few different definitions that are important as we do this work of dismantling systemic racism. I’ll define/redefine feminism, intersectionality, cultural appropriation, BIPOC, and privilege. These definitions were adapted from RacialEquityTools.org and there are many variations of them floating around.

You’ll learn/relearn more about my story as a biracial woman who was raised in a white household in a white town, and I’ll share with you some common excuses I’ve used to sidestep really digging into anti-racism work (things like “but I live in a liberal town!” “I’m brown!” etc.). Then, we will do a high-level overview of how our financial systems and mental healthcare systems are rooted in exclusionary Euro-centric beliefs and racism.

Action Steps Below

1. Spend your money on and within Black-owned businesses and communities. Save and invest in alignment with your values.

2. Vote!

3. Share and read stories from people who don’t look like you.

4. Keep learning and be willing to make mistakes and move forward.

5. Check your family and friends by calling them in—not out! Try “what did you mean by that?” or “can you explain that to me?” when you hear micro-aggressions or flat-out racist behavior.