Rabbi Sandra Lawson, last month, delivered the 2024 Pride Keynote Lecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Lawson, RRC’ 18, is the inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Reconstructing Judaism. She titled her talk, “Building Bridges Across Identities & Communities.”
According to a Carnagie Mellon news release, the event was held on June 11 to celebrate Pride month at CMU and around the world. The talk coincided with the first night of Shavuot.
“Rabbi Sandra Lawson is a thought leader known for tackling difficult questions surrounding complex dimensions of identity within systems and cultures,” said Wanda Heading-Grant, vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Carnagie Mellon said during her introduction, according to CMU.edu “As one of the first African American queer female rabbis, she has consciously worked to alter perceptions of what a rabbi can look like.”
What follows is an excerpt of Lawson’s prepared remarks.
When I reflect on my life, I see a rich tapestry woven from multiple threads of identity. Each thread represents a part of who I am—Black, Jewish, queer, a woman, a rabbi. These threads intersect in ways that profoundly shape my experiences and perspectives. Tonight, I want to share how these intersecting identities not only define my journey but also highlight the importance of building bridges across our diverse communities.
In 1989, legal scholar Kimberle Crenshaw coined the term intersectionality in a publication as a way to help explain the oppression of Black women. The idea of intersectionality existed long before Crenshaw coined the term but was not widely recognized until Crenshaw’s work. Intersectionality is a powerful lens through which we can understand the complex and overlapping systems of oppression that shape our world. Intersectionality describes how different forms of discrimination intersect and overlap. For me, intersectionality is not just an idea; it’s my lived reality. I navigate multiple identities daily in a world that often centers the white, Christian, male perspective. I invite us all to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the richness of human diversity, for the unique stories and perspectives each of us brings to the table, and for the collective wisdom that emerges when we truly listen to and learn from one another.
The intersection of these aspects of who I am profoundly influences how I experience the world and how our society perceives me. It’s like a Venn diagram of my life, where being Black, Jewish, and queer overlap, creating a unique space that is both challenging and empowering.
My own story is a testament to this complexity. I am also a wife, a wife in an inter-racial marriage, a sister, a daughter – each of these identities shape my experiences and how I move through the world. My parents who grew up in the segregated South in sharecropping families, in poverty that for me is unimaginable, both were part of that generation that left the segregated south for better opportunities, each making sacrifices to ensure that my brother and I would never understand that level of poverty. They instilled in me a deep understanding of the struggles of Black people in our society. My mother taught me the power of resilience; she taught me to never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. She said I might have to work harder, but I can do anything if I set my mind to it, which also instilled in me the power of believing in myself, and my dad who shared my mother’s vision also encouraged and dared me to dream and to dream big.
Adding to these values is Judaism. Judaism has taught me many things, one of them being the importance of justice and compassion, and that the two can exist together at the same time. It has given me a framework for understanding my place in the world and a spiritual home.
Tonight, the Jewish community celebrates the holiday of Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. I was reminded of the Jewish value of arevut – ערבות, our responsibility for one another. Just as the Israelites stood together at Sinai, diverse in their backgrounds yet united in their covenant, so too must we stand together today, embracing our differences and practicing arevut, our responsibility to welcome and include those who are different from us.
And my queer identity has taught me the importance of chosen family, of finding love and support in unexpected places. It has taught me that love knows no boundaries and that our families can be as diverse and beautiful as we are.
When I reflect on my life, I see a rich tapestry woven from multiple threads of identity. Each thread represents a part of who I am—Black, Jewish, queer, a woman, a rabbi. These threads intersect in ways that profoundly shape my experiences and perspectives.
Reflecting on all of this and the rise of antisemitism, racism, and violence toward my communities in our society, I stand at the intersection of multiple forms of bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination. While my identity may spell excitement for many and shows progress in our society, it can also generate discomfort and sometimes anger in others.
To those who feel discomfort, I continue to encourage them to sit with that discomfort a little longer; I promise them it will get better and will lead to understanding and acceptance. The path towards a more inclusive future often begins with acknowledging our own discomfort and biases.
To those who feel anger at my existence, I truly feel for you because people like me symbolize the vibrant and diverse future of our American society. We are proof that communities can grow and evolve, embracing the richness that comes with diversity. Just as the Torah teaches us to welcome the poor, the widowed, the orphaned and the stranger, we must also welcome and include those who are different from us and recognize the unique gifts they bring to our communities.
Navigating the challenges of living at the intersection of multiple identities has taught me the importance of building bridges between communities. When we see and understand each other’s full humanity, we can break down the walls of fear and prejudice that divide us.
I believe that our liberation is interconnected. The struggles for racial justice, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer+ rights, and religious freedom are all part of a larger movement towards a more just and equitable world. When we work together, when we recognize that our struggles are linked, we become stronger and more effective in creating change. Just as the Israelites were commanded to love their neighbor as themselves, so too must we strive to love and uplift all members of our community, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Each of us stands at the intersection of multiple identities, each with its own joys and challenges. As we move forward in our discussion, I invite you to reflect on your own unique intersecting identities. How have your various identities shaped your experiences? Where do you find strength? Where do you experience pain? How can we, as a community, create spaces where all of these identities are valued and celebrated?
How can we, as individuals and as a collective, build bridges of understanding and empathy between our different communities? How can we work together to dismantle systems of oppression and create a world where everyone can thrive?
Going forth, I encourage all of you to embrace your intersectional identities. Own your unique stories and perspectives, recognizing the power in diversity. Actively work towards creating more inclusivity in your circles and communities.
Diversity is the lifeblood of a thriving community. When we include more diverse voices that authentically reflect who we are and embody our shared values, we create spaces that work for the many, not just the few. Let’s go forth with renewed energy and commitment to justice, fueled by the understanding that our differences are not just to be tolerated, but celebrated as a source of strength and innovation.
Thank you for sharing this space with me today. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with each of you. As we move forward, let us carry with us a vision of a future where all can thrive. Let’s build bridges across difference and work together towards a world where everyone can experience liberation and joy. May we all find strength and courage in our journey ahead.
