Discursive Approaches To Intersectionality In Czech Feminist Activism

Intersectionality is a topic that currently resonates with Czech feminist collectives. As it is a complex theoretical concept it is important to ask how intersectional collectives understand intersectionality. My qualitative research based on 19 interviews with grassroot activists from intersectional feminist collectives in Czech Republic (both domestic and expat) revealed in total eight discursive approaches to intersectionality, namely (i) connecting different forms of oppression, (ii) different experiences of marginalisation and privilege, (iii) embracing multiple areas of social justice, (iv) non-hierarchy of systems of power and power relations, (v) linking manifestations of oppression to their causes, (vi) inclusivity, (vii) reflexive perception of the world and one's position in it, (viii) deconstructing the myth of sameness. Intersectionality is often seen in the sense of inclusivity - in some interviews it was distinguished between internal and external inclusivity, both of which are logically related: External intersectionality refers to including more areas of social justice in one's conception of a just world. Internal intersectionality refers to providing a safe and accepting environment for everyone, both for members of the collective and for those attending its events. My research also highlighted that intersectionality is closely related to the ethos and value of social justice for all. The emphasis on the 'for all' is crucial as it points to the fact that all areas of social justice (e.g. feminism, queer liberation, climate justice, etc.) are seen as interconnected. Intersectionality, in relation to the actual self-identification of collectives, also expresses an effort to distance themselves from exclusionary strands of feminism (TERF or liberal etc.) or activism in general, and in this respect, intersectionality can also take on a normative character. Despite the research participants' largely (but not exclusively) positive perceptions of intersectionality, neoliberal, individualizing, depoliticizing and essentializing influences that are perceived as coming from "the West", can lead to negative attitudes and experiences of intersectionality. Moreover, despite a more or less shared ethos of social justice, the way in which some collectives imagine achieving it may differ.