Intersectionality and Trauma
- Stella Billerey
- May 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 12
The concept of intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, highlights how different aspects of a person’s identity—such as race, gender, sexuality, ability, and socioeconomic status—intersect to create unique experiences of privilege or oppression.
Understanding Intersectionality and Trauma in Marginalised Communities
Intersectionality helps us understand that a single factor rarely causes trauma; instead, it often arises from the overlapping and compounding effects of systemic barriers and societal inequities.
For example:
A Black, queer human may face both racism and homophobia, which not only compound their experiences of trauma but also limit access to safe spaces, healthcare, and community resources.
A neurodivergent person who is low-income may face barriers to accessing support and accommodations, such as ADHD coaching or workplace adjustments, due to financial constraints or systemic bias in social services.
A physically disabled person in inaccessible housing may experience chronic stress from navigating an environment that does not meet their needs. This could include physical pain from inadequate facilities (e.g., stairs instead of ramps, narrow doorways) or emotional distress from feeling excluded and unsupported by their community or landlords.
A transgender friend with a mental health condition may face discrimination in healthcare settings, where providers lack understanding of gender-affirming care or dismiss their mental health concerns as secondary to their gender identity.
An immigrant with limited language proficiency may experience trauma from navigating hostile immigration policies, racial discrimination, and the isolation of being unable to communicate their needs effectively in a new environment.
These overlapping identities create unique challenges that cannot be understood in isolation.
THE PRESSURE TO MASK
For neurodivergent individuals, masking is a common survival strategy. Masking involves suppressing behaviours or traits to appear more “acceptable” or “neurotypical.” Examples include:
Suppressing stimming or other self-regulating behaviours.
Forcing eye contact or mimicking social cues.
Hiding struggles with executive functioning by overcompensating.
While masking can help us navigate certain environments, it often comes at a cost. Many neurodivergent individuals report feeling drained, anxious, or disconnected from their authentic selves after prolonged masking. Over time, this can lead to emotional burnout, difficulty recognising one’s own needs, and even physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
Trauma-informed yoga offers a safe and compassionate space to explore unmasking. By emphasising body autonomy and intuitive movement, it encourages participants to reconnect with their authentic selves without fear of judgement.
WHAT MAKES TRAUMA DIFFERENT FOR MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES?
For individuals from marginalised groups, trauma is often tied to experiences of systemic inequity and societal rejection. This can manifest in unique ways, such as:
Hypervigilance: Constantly scanning for signs of danger, whether physical or emotional.
Internalised Oppression: Believing harmful stereotypes or narratives about one’s own identity.
Isolation: Feeling disconnected from one’s community or support system due to stigma or rejection.
Chronic Stress: Experiencing ongoing stress from microaggressions, discrimination, or lack of access to resources.
Trauma-informed yoga acknowledges these experiences and seeks to create a space where participants can feel seen, heard, and valued.
HOW TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA CAN HELP
Trauma-informed yoga can be a powerful tool for healing and empowerment, particularly for individuals from marginalised communities. Here’s how:
Creating Safer Spaces: Trauma-informed yoga prioritises safety by offering predictable class structures, invitational language, and accessible environments. This includes practical considerations like wheelchair-accessible venues, gender-neutral toilets, and clear communication about what to expect during sessions.
Fostering Self-Compassion: By encouraging participants to move intuitively and honour their own needs, trauma-informed yoga helps build self-compassion. This is especially important for those who have internalised messages of unworthiness or inadequacy.
Promoting Connection: Trauma-informed yoga creates a sense of community and belonging, which can be especially meaningful for individuals who feel isolated or marginalised.
Supporting Unmasking: Through gentle movement and mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga provides a s
A PERSONAL NOTE ON MY APPROACH
My work as a trauma-informed yoga teacher and mental health occupational therapist is rooted in principles of intersectionality, critical race theory, and neurodivergence-affirming care. I am committed to creating spaces that centre the voices and needs of marginalised communities while also reflecting on my own positionality and privilege.
To ensure financial inclusivity, all my services—including in-person events, private sessions, and ADHD coaching—are offered on a sliding scale. For individuals from marginalised or disadvantaged groups who do not qualify for DWP Access to Work funding, I also provide two annual scholarship places at 50% off. This reflects my commitment to making these practices accessible to those who might otherwise face financial barriers.
This is an ongoing journey—one that involves listening, learning, and taking action to create a more inclusive and equitable practice.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR HEALING JOURNEY?
If you’re curious about how trauma-informed yoga can support your mental and physical health, I invite you to join me for a session. I offer occasional public classes as well as private, tailored sessions designed to meet your individual needs.
📍 Sessions are hosted at Forest Hill Friends Meeting House, 34 Sunderland Rd, SE23 2QA, or remotely via Zoom.
📧 Contact: info@stellabillereytherapies.com
Comments