FAQs

What does “gender justice” mean?

Language about identity-based power and oppression is constantly evolving. For me, in 2021, the term “gender justice” comes closest to capturing the transformation our organizations, selves, and systems need to undergo to abandon the patriarchy, sexism, and misogyny that structure our world.

Importantly, I believe gender justice is the antidote to all forms of oppression that are based on gender — meaning that the term not only includes, but centers, those who are most impacted by gender oppression. Specifically, this means that gender justice centers the challenges faced by women of color as well as queer, trans/non-binary, and gender nonconforming folks, while also addressing the challenges faced by White, non-queer, cisgender, and gender conforming women and girls.

What about “intersectionality”?

If gender justice is the term that best describes the opposite of gender-based oppression, I believe the concept of intersectionality is the antidote to all forms of identity-based oppression. Coined by renowned legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality is the understanding that differing forms of dominance (racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and many others) intersect, overlap, and compound one another to create unique experiences of intertwined oppression.

White supremacy culture tells us that everything, but particularly identity, should be binary and exist in separate, discreet boxes. I believe this leads to dangerously reductive thinking — thinking that fosters tokenism, stereotyping, and pitting different forms of oppression against one another. At worst, this approach risks re-creating the very identity-based hierarchies that true justice strives to dismantle. To me, intersectionality is both the counter-concept and the cure for those harmful ways of thinking.

In my work specifically, I view intersectionality as the antidote to White feminism, which has done extraordinary harm. I seek to disrupt White feminism with an intersectional analysis in my life and in my consulting practice.

Do you do DEI work?

Lot of folks would describe the work I do as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work. While that term has some utility, I don’t believe it captures the depth of change necessary to achieve true and lasting justice. Plus, I hate acronyms!

On this website, and in my work in general, I opt to use terms like gender justice, intersectionality, and individual analysis instead. However, if you refer to your organization's work to address racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression as DEI, I’m happy to work with you under that umbrella.

How do you identify?

I identify as a cis gender, queer, gender nonconforming, White woman. I live in a multi-racial, multi-language household, where I consistently show up as an enthusiastic stepmom, textbook Capricorn, middling handywoman, and resolute arachnophobe.

How much does it cost to work with you?

My rates are on a sliding scale depending on the size and sector of your organization. For Learning and Assessment, I tend to charge flat fees on a sliding scale. For Coaching, I charge by the hour on a sliding scale. If you’re interested in working together, but have budget concerns, let’s talk and see what we can figure out! 

Do you have partners or collaborators?

As a solo practitioner, meeting project needs often means partnering with colleagues who have complementary lived experience and/or expertise. I’m fortunate to be in relationship with many incredible fellow practitioners, both locally and nationally.

During the project assessment process, I co-create and share decision-making with both clients and colleagues as we collectively decide when and how to approach joint projects. This is especially critical for work that warrants deep engagement with folks who hold different identities than I do -- particularly with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC folks), trans/non-binary folks, elders, and/or folks with disabilities.

How long does it take for work to begin? How long do engagements typically last?

Typically, work can begin within a few weeks of jointly deciding that working together is likely to be a good fit. If my schedule has more limited availability, I’ll let you know right after your initial outreach.

Engagements can be as short as a single group training session or as long as a multi-year coaching relationship. For me, the length of an engagement is driven by goals, scope, budget, and fit --- all of which we’ll discuss in our initial conversations.

Do you have all the intersectional, gender-related answers?

Oh god, no. To quote the great Allie Brosch, “What am I? Some kind of wizard!?!” 

My analysis is absolutely incomplete and I mess up regularly. When I do mess up, I strive to atone for any harm I have done, hold myself accountable for my own learning, and foster compassion for my many shortcomings — particularly those that stem from my privilege, which, by its very nature, makes its fallacies difficult to discern. Perhaps ironically, I routinely mess-up while pursuing these intentions about messing up!

Ultimately, I believe if we show up with genuine curiosity, true accountability, and a vulnerable heart, the moments where we fall short will be our greatest teachers.