Title: Understanding Diverse Perspectives
Course: Introduction to gender-based analysis plus GBA+ > Section: Module 2

The consideration of multiple and diverse intersecting identity factors can be complex. It is important to remember that there isn’t one single – or “right” – way to apply an intersectional approach; however, there are some foundational ideas to keep in mind:

 Identify the multiple and diverse identity factors that impact people's experiences

  Analyze your own position and perspective in relation to the issue or initiative that you are working on (e.g. how do your biases affect your perception and/or work on the issue?)

 Reject categorizing groups with the use of binaries (e.g. man or woman, advantaged or disadvantaged)

  Accept that there are various factors that contribute to an experience or an outcome (e.g. power relations intersecting with systematic factors intersecting with where we live – urban vs. rural, plains vs. mountains)

  People can experience advantages and disadvantages simultaneously (e.g. A biological male may experience some of the advantages of being male, but may experience some disadvantages because of the intersection of his male identity and his identity as a racialized person. Specific stereotypes exist for men of different ethnicities and specific stereotypes exist for women of different ethnicities, because of the interplay of gender and racialization.)

  Identify other factors, including externalities, that shape experiences.