The best tweets from IWDA’s intersectionality panel discussion
IWDA’s Gender Drinks are a space for the feminist community to come together and expand thinking and practice within a collective discussion. Last Thursday, IWDA, alongside some absolute powerhouses of the feminist movement, held a panel discussion in Melbourne that was all about intersectionality. Joined by Hana Assafiri, Jax Jacki Brown and Viva Tatawaqa, we talked about what intersectional feminism is, why it is important, how everyone puts it into practise in their own ways.
IWDA’s Gender Drinks are a space for the feminist community to come together and expand thinking and practice within a collective discussion. Last Thursday, IWDA, alongside some absolute powerhouses of the feminist movement, held a panel discussion in Melbourne that was all about intersectionality. Joined by Hana Assafiri, Jax Jacki Brown and Viva Tatawaqa, we talked about what intersectional feminism is, why it is important, how everyone puts it into practise in their own ways.
With a sold-out house and many of our followers living interstate and overseas, not everyone could make it. Luckily, Twitter was on fire, and drew out the major takeaways from the night under the hashtag #intersectionalityIWDA.
If you missed out on the panel, these will give you a great taste of what was discussed.
Tonight we’ll be chatting intersectionality with @jaxjackibrown, @assafiri_hana and Viva of @diva4equality #intersectionalityIWDA pic.twitter.com/5d7dmsGRpG
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
We all have many identities and many feminisms, and we will experience situations and life very differently @IWDAExec #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
#intersectionalityIWDA takes an approach of respect for complexity and respect for intersectionality in addressing issues. @iwda
— Lisa de Kleyn (@lisadekleyn) October 26, 2017
It’s about thinking politically about my various identities. The personal is political @jaxjackibrown #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
We need to interrogate our own lives through a politicises lens. It’s a joy but a difficulty @jaxjackibrown #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
The way we speak about women is unacceptable. We need to reject & call out modes of oppressing women @assafiri_hana #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
What is intersectionality practice? Personal is political, invites challenging conversations, seeks solutions for all #intersectionalityIWDA
— Lisa de Kleyn (@lisadekleyn) October 26, 2017
Look out the window, it’s colourful! Diversity is beautiful! Viva Tatawaqa #intersectionalityiwda @diva4equality pic.twitter.com/S02q2LmA7v
— Bronwyn Tilbury (@Bronskit) October 26, 2017
Questioning: Do ppl really want to address oppression & power if they don’t want to hear intersectional experiences? #intersectionalityIWDA
— Lisa de Kleyn (@lisadekleyn) October 26, 2017
How to advocate for intersectionality? Speak from ‘I’ & personal experience to find connection – Viva @diva4equality #intersectionalityIWDA pic.twitter.com/Rsnip7y8H0
— Meghan Cooper (@meghan_coop) October 26, 2017
“To save your soul, go where you are celebrated not where you are tolerated” Viva Vatawaqa #intersectionalityiwda @diva4equality
— Bronwyn Tilbury (@Bronskit) October 26, 2017
Unless we agitate as activists for systemic change, change won’t happen @assafiri_hana #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
The responsibility isn’t always on us to be the teachable moment #Intersectionalityiwda @jaxjackibrown pic.twitter.com/RGBy0V3Ki8
— Bronwyn Tilbury (@Bronskit) October 26, 2017
No matter our struggles, it is on the backs of the disenfranchisement of indigenous peoples #intersectionalityiwda pic.twitter.com/V0ET1x6XMW
— Bronwyn Tilbury (@Bronskit) October 26, 2017
Even if you fumble try to be more intersectional. Good intentions & the right attitude go a long away @assafiri_hana #intersectionalityiwda
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
Developing orgs need to build partnerships and coalitions with the Global South – Viva of @diva4equality #WeRise #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
We must create safe spaces for the community to share their experiences and feel supported – Viva of @diva4equality #intersectionalityIWDA
— IWDA (@iwda) October 26, 2017
If you’re interested in attending events like these in the future, email online@iwda.org.au to express your interest.
Hana Assafiri is passionate about increasing intercultural understanding through creating spaces for respectful cross-cultural engagements. Hana’s first restaurant, the popular Moroccan Soup Bar in North Fitzroy, provides employment opportunities for marginalised members of the community and her Speed-Date-A-Muslim events are an innovative way to spark meaningful conversation.
Jax Jacki Brown is a disability and LGBTI consultant, writer, spoken-word performer, disability sexuality educator and workshop designer. Jax’s work has been described as provocative, political and humorous and provides a powerful insight into why society needs to change, rather than people with disabilities.
Viva Tatawaqa is a Management Collective member of Diverse Voices and Action for Equality (DIVA) in Fiji. DIVA works to create diverse opportunities and safe spaces for Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transmasculine people and marginalized women to fully participate in all areas of life and community in Fiji.
