Intersectionality Research Paper

Intersectionality is the interconnected nature of social categorization such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantaged.
Intersectionality is how being an Asian-American female that has mental illnesses, in a low socio economic class, and is a non-practicing/ questioning Christian makes who I am and makes the experience of life more difficult to navigate. 我是苗人。 我不是中国人。
“No, where are you really from?” said a classmate in utter disbelief when finding out that I was born in Minneapolis, yet not being able to get past the exotic look of someone who is of Hmong decent. “I was born in Minneapolis, I am an American” was my passive-aggressive response to the ignorance. The saying goes, “First impressions matter”, usually in regards to when a person sets eyes on another.
It was my turn. My turn to discuss the essay, about my perspective on the Lutheran religion, that was between me being confirmed and not. I was a part of a very accepting ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). My pastor, fellow church members, and peers within confirmation built a very inclusive community for all. With this in mind, I felt comfortable enough to question my pastor after discussing aspects of my essay. I asked “If we all go to Heaven, then what is the purpose of Hell?” This question has bothered me. Throughout my life at my church I was told that no matter what we do, good or bad, we will be forgiven by God and go to heaven. I was also taught that Hell was place for bad people. These were contradictory statements I could never feel content in who my God was and the actions He took upon us. Once I asked the question a blankness came upon my pastor’s face. He had to admit that the question had stumped him. With him being unable to answer, my thoughts that my religion was never constant was