Racial Profiling, Human Rights, Intersectionality & Black LGBTQ Institutional Invisibility

• In Event: Queering Institutions and Research

Abstract

The current application of intersectionality in Canadian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) case law is limited to examples of code-protected white queerness. White intersectional analysis within human rights (HR) work remains of little relevant application to the racial profiling of Black LGBTQ persons. This HR paper on Black LGBTQ racial profiling argues intersectionality that has white queerness as the default and privileged frame of analysis should be abandoned. The distressing reality, institutional invisibility of the continued marginalization of Black LGBTQ people cannot continue in Canadian society. Intersectionality does not mean whiteness. This paper employs Black Gay Critical Race Theory (BGCRT) as it seeks to reshape the concept of intersectionality to include Black LGBTQ interlocking and intersecting categories of identity oppression. My aim here is to argue that HR does not respond adequately to the intersections, differences and distinctive experiences of racial profiling and homophobia encountered by Black LGBTQ persons and is calling for new literacies on racial profiling and intersectionality.

Author

• Wesley Crichlow, University of Ontario Institute of Technology