IDERD and Intersectionality: Hidden Struggles of Race and LGBTQ+ Identity

As we reflect on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), it is crucial to acknowledge how racial bias compounds other forms of discrimination—particularly for those who also belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Racial discrimination does not exist in isolation; rather, it intersects with other identity markers, creating layered and often invisible barriers to inclusion.

One of the least discussed but deeply significant intersections is that of race and LGBTQ+ identity. People who are both racially diverse and LGBTQ+ often experience discrimination not just from broader society but also from within their own ethnic and cultural communities. This double marginalization leads to exclusion, erasure, and a unique set of challenges that often go unnoticed in mainstream diversity conversations.

This year, let us use IDERD as an opportunity to:

• Recognize that racial discrimination and LGBTQ+ discrimination intersect, compounding the challenges faced by individuals at this crossroads.
• Acknowledge that cultural and familial expectations can create additional pressures for LGBTQ+ people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
• Commit to breaking the silence and fostering genuine inclusion within our own communities, rather than reinforcing stigma and exclusion.

Cultural Stigma: The Silence Around LGBTQ+ Identities in CALD Communities

"When Amir came out as gay, he expected resistance from society—but the hardest rejection came from home. His parents, who had migrated to Australia for a better life, saw his identity as a betrayal of their cultural and religious values. 'We didn’t sacrifice everything for you to live like this,' his father said.

Amir found himself torn between two worlds. Among his LGBTQ+ friends, he faced racism and microaggressions. Within his cultural community, his sexuality was treated as an unspoken shame. At gatherings, his family introduced him as "still looking for the right girl." He felt invisible.

Everything changed when he met others like him—queer people from CALD backgrounds who had walked the same path. Through shared experiences, he found a support system that validated his identity, proving that he wasn’t alone."        

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Many of us who come from CALD backgrounds know the deeply ingrained cultural attitudes towards gender and sexuality. In many communities, being LGBTQ+ is not just frowned upon—it is seen as a betrayal of family honour, religious values, or cultural traditions. Silence becomes a survival strategy.

This stigma persists even in multicultural Australia. While mainstream society may offer some legal protections and growing acceptance, many LGBTQ+ individuals from CALD backgrounds face rejection at home, feeling forced to choose between their identity and their heritage. This isolation has serious consequences for mental health, well-being, and sense of belonging.

Double Discrimination: Caught Between Racism and Homophobia

"Elena, a queer woman of colour, always felt like she had to prove herself. In LGBTQ+ spaces, she encountered racism—her experiences were dismissed, and she was exotified rather than understood. In her cultural community, being queer was seen as a Western influence, something unnatural and shameful.

At work, she faced microaggressions on both fronts. When she spoke up about diversity, she was told she was being 'too sensitive.' When she discussed LGBTQ+ issues, colleagues assumed she only meant white, Western experiences.

It took years before Elena found a space where all parts of her identity were recognized. She realized that true inclusion means acknowledging the unique struggles at the intersection of race and LGBTQ+ identity—not forcing people to choose which part of themselves to prioritize."        

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For LGBTQ+ individuals of colour, discrimination is often a dual experience. Within the LGBTQ+ community, racial biases persist—many people report feeling excluded, fetishized, or stereotyped. Meanwhile, in their own racial or cultural communities, LGBTQ+ identities are frequently erased or stigmatized, with queer identities being dismissed as "not part of our culture."

This intersectional discrimination can lead to a deep sense of alienation, as individuals find themselves struggling to be fully seen and accepted in any space. It affects job opportunities, mental health, relationships, and access to safe, affirming communities.

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Flipping the Narrative: A Call to Action for CALD Communities

It is time for CALD communities to challenge outdated narratives and embrace a more inclusive perspective. This means not only advocating against racial discrimination but also addressing homophobia and transphobia within our own cultural circles.

Here are some steps we can take:

• Educate Ourselves and Others – Understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people of colour is crucial. Cultural narratives must evolve to recognize and affirm these identities rather than deny them.
• Foster Open Conversations – We need to create safe spaces where LGBTQ+ people can share their stories without fear of judgment or ostracization.
• Support, Not Silence – Instead of pressuring LGBTQ+ individuals to conform, families and communities should become sources of strength and affirmation.
• Challenge Discrimination from Within – Just as we fight against racism in broader society, we must also dismantle homophobia and transphobia within our own communities.
• Amplify Lived Experiences – LGBTQ+ people of colour need platforms to share their perspectives. Their voices provide essential insights into the realities of intersectional discrimination and how to foster true inclusion.

A Collective Responsibility to Do Better

The fight for inclusion should not fall solely on the shoulders of those experiencing discrimination. As CALD communities, we have a responsibility to unlearn harmful narratives and replace them with messages of acceptance and empowerment.

True inclusion is not about asking people to choose between their culture and their identity—it is about creating spaces where they can embrace both. The change starts with us. The question is: are we ready to step up?