June Is An Important Reminder About Intersectionality

A short read on the deeper lesson of this month

Here’s why June is a particularly special month I look forward to every year.

The charm of the new year is long gone. Spring transitions to the exciting anticipation of Summer. Kids are home for break. And we get prepared mentally to take on the second half of the year. All this is obvious to most.

But with a closer glance we recognize June as National Immigrant Heritage Month, Pride Month, and home to Juneteenth. June is also National Men’s Health Month, Portuguese Heritage Month, and Caribbean-American Heritage Month. It can seem overwhelming, but I love this month because June reminds us of the intersectionality of our fight for justice and the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings—regardless of differentiating background.

Whether it’s demanding equal protection under the law for all people regardless of immigration status, standing firmly against all forms of violence, discrimination, and hate directed at the LGBTQ+ Americans, or better educating ourselves on the dire need for racial justice and reparations owed to Black Americans—this month serves as an excellent opportunity to sharpen our activism and our empathy for communities we may not directly belong to.

To me, June is a reminder that human rights isn’t a buffet where we get to pick and choose equal rights, and justice isn’t pie that decreases when expanded to include more people. They are candles burning brightly to dispel darkness and they work best when we actively work to increase their reach. And we do that successfully by sharing the light, investing in human rights advancement with our time, vote, and resources, embracing the synergy of our efforts for justice, and being relentless in the face of what can often seem like overwhelming injustice.

This June, step out of your comfort zone and engage with the many different communities that comprise our nation and world—and recognize one another. Then, let us work together to uplift all humanity and make this the more perfect Union we were promised.