INTRODUCTION

This identity exercise helps you explore your identity intersections. Please follow the instructions

below:

In the first and second lists, circle the factors that bring you advantage, and underline

the factors that bring you disadvantage. In some cases, it may be both.

In the third list, considering the identities you just reflected on, circle the system(s) of

oppression that contribute to any experience(s) of discrimination.

NOTE:

Advantage is a special right or privilege available to a particular person or group of people. It

can be earned or unearned. Disadvantage is when a special right or advantage is unavailable

to a particular person or group.

SOCIAL

This first list contains social factors that influence the extent to which we experience

advantages or disadvantages in our lives. It is the intersection of these factors that influences

the way we experience life in our society. These factors include:

Sexual orientation Religion and spirituality

Indigenous ancestry Place of origin

Age Marital or family status

Social class Geographical location

Education Disabilities

Sex Language

Race and ethnicity Income

Length of time in the community Immigration status

Gender identity Other [please specify]

ORGANIZATIONAL

The middle circle contains positions or statuses we may fill within the team or organization that

carry varying amounts of power and influence. It is often the intersection of these positions,

statuses, and social factors that determine our opportunities. These might include:

Being a manager, supervisor, staff member, or student

Type of occupation/ profession

Length of service

Union affiliation

Department/unit

Whether we are full-time, part-time, contract, or casual/volunteer employee

SYSTEM OF OPPRESSION

The outer circle contains the ways in which people are discriminated against. Most of us

experience more than one form of discrimination. These factors interact with wider social forces,

such as history and the legacies of colonialism, patriarchy, economic exploitation, level of

education, inaccessible legal systems, and racist immigration policies. Some forms of

discrimination include:

Ableism Classism

Racism Ethnocentrism

Heterosexism Transphobia

Sexism Ageism

Colonialism Homophobia