Kerry Washington gives powerful intersectional speech at GLAAD awards

This weekend, GLAAD awarded Kerry Washington their prestigious Vanguard Award, given to those in the entertainment industry who promote equality. In a seven-minute speech, Washington, who has long been a Feministing favorite, made an inspiring call for intersectional action. 

She devoted her time to not just speaking about the importance of marriage equality for LGBTQ people, but also addressed the ways in which those who are marginalized in our society have been pitted against each other instead of standing in solidarity with one another.

Part of what makes this speech so awesome is Washington’s awareness of her own power and position within society. She says:

When I was told that I was getting an award from being an ally to GLAAD, it got me thinking. Being an ally means a great deal to me, so I’m gonna say some stuff. And I might be preaching to the choir, but I’m gonna say it. Not just for us, but because on Monday morning, people are going to click a link to hear what that woman from Scandal said at that award show, so I think some stuff needs to be said.

After the Scandal star captured our hearts with that opening, she goes on to slay…

You would think that those of us who are kept from our full rights of citizenship would band together and fight the good fight, but history tells us that no, often we don’t. Women, poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, intersex people. We have been pitted against each other, and made to feel like there are limited seats at the table for those of us labeled other.

Kerry Washington delivered a speech that we all need to hear. It is a stark reminder that we must commit to doing this work across difference, and not just to raise our own boats. If we are seeing limited seats at a table, then we just need a new table.

Watch the full speech above and read a transcript here:

Header image credit: EW