Panel Discussion 23 - Intersectionality – Sustainably Continuing the Work: What's Next for Psychology in the Current Sociopolitical Climate?

Conducting intersectionality-centered clinical work and research in psychology is becoming increasingly challenging with new mandates and policies (e.g., banning terms and topics in funding agencies, Project 2025) create barriers for meaningful work to continue. As such, the need for critical discussions on how to bridge the divide in the current political landscape and continue advancing inclusive research and therapy while staying safe is paramount. The present panel will use Collins’ (2019) proposed six principles for Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory to guide discussion honoring “relationality, power, social inequality, social context, complexity, and social justice”. Panelists representing diverse topics centered in intersectionality frameworks, are included with the explicit focus to characterize the breadth and wealth of clinical work and research currently in psychology. Panelists’ diverse areas of interest include stress and trauma, anxiety, neurodiversity, physical, and learning disabilities among diverse people who experience systemic oppression, including immigrants with precarious immigration legal status, refugees, racialized individuals, Indigenous people, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Discussions will center on the following: 1) sharing understanding on what intersectionality means in the context of panelists’ clinical and research settings, 2) characterizing barriers panelists may be facing in advancing intersectionality in their respective areas, 3) historical contributions and best practices to remain funded and engaged in the work, as well as strategies to potentially adapt to the present context, and 4) the importance of advancing intersectionality as clinicians and scientists whilst maintaining safety for all as we balance sustainability of our work and advancing social justice in hostile social contexts.