Meet Sirius Bonner: the executive director of INTERSECT, an organization redefining what’s possible for gender equity in Oregon. Here she shares what fuels her dedication to this work and a robust list of resources to expand our knowledge of intersectionality.
What’s new at INTERSECT?
Last spring, we launched the Gender Justice Navigator. It’s a first-of-its-kind tool that maps gender-focused organizations in our state. The tool is amazing, and the data we’re getting from it is so rich and telling about the state of the gender justice field in Oregon. We also recently held our Gender Justice Summit at the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (OCADSV) Conference where we brought together advocates, allies and community leaders from all over the state, which has set the stage for some cohort work. Earlier this week we did an awesome training with the entire Portland Trail Blazers staff, and along with our regular training offerings around intersectionality and LGBTQIA2S+ allyship, etc., we’re also adding new ones on Reproductive Justice and Anti-Blackness in the new year!
What motivates you in this work?
I dream of a world where my daughter doesn’t face the same barriers and challenges that I and my ancestors faced. I’m driven by a vision of equity and justice, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and communities are interconnected and empowered. I believe in the power of collective action to transform systems that have long been unjust. It’s both humbling and invigorating to work with such courageous individuals and communities, and their perseverance fuels my own.
What are some lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
I've learned the importance of authenticity, listening deeply and honoring people's lived experiences to make real progress. Change takes time and requires resilience. Collaboration is essential; no one can do this work alone. And I’m learning to celebrate the small victories, knowing they pave the way for bigger successes.
What future do you envision for yourself and the communities you work in?
We envision a future where gender equity is embedded in all facets of society, with marginalized communities leading the way. My hope is that INTERSECT becomes a pillar of support for sustainable, community-led change that dismantles oppressive systems and uplifts historically marginalized voices– especially considering the current social and political climate. For myself, I see a role that continues to drive systemic change and expands INTERSECT’s reach to advocate for justice at state and national levels. I hope to see a time when justice and equity are achieved, and we are actively building toward liberation for all.
What's bringing you joy these days?
Are you sure you want to ask a culture and media nerd with a passion for intersectional oppression analysis a question like this? Okay, here goes…
I saw the recent Portland Center Stage production of Sweeney Todd twice, and it was amazing. The mostly BIPOC cast and a production that challenges gender norms breathed new life into such an important and exciting classic.
Agatha All Along! The witchy, queer vibes of this show are perfect for this Fall. And [spoiler] the Black character not only lives, but she also reclaims her power from the clutches of White Feminism™!
INTERSECT’s Gender Justice Summit in Sunriver was such a powerful and enriching experience. It was the perfect grounding ahead of the election, and I left feeling fortified and ready for whatever is coming next!
Could you suggest any resources for people to learn more about gender justice?
Our media landscape is incredibly complex, and people and institutions are flawed. So this is less an endorsement of any specific people or institutions and more an acknowledgment of their contributions to a wider conversation.
Honestly, the thing I would suggest most is to spend some time thoughtfully curating your social media feeds and (re)training your algorithms…if you’re still doing social media, that is. I encourage you to engage with many resources to see multiple perspectives on your learning journey.
But here are some other ideas:
Books
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde (1984)
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall (2020)
Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory by Patricia Hill Collins (2019)
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon (2020)
The Crunk Feminist Collection edited by Brittney Cooper, Susana M. Morris, and Robin M. Boylorn (2017)
Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More by Janet Mock (2014)
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings (2020)
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson (2020)
And the 2023 film by Ava DuVernay
Heavy by Kiese Laymon (2018)
The Trouble with White Women: A Counterhistory of Feminism by Kyla Schuller (2023)
If I Were You, I'd Kill Myself by Imani Barbarin (UPCOMING RELEASE March, 2026)
Documentaries, Film, and Television
Disclosure directed by Sam Feder (2020)
Miss Representation directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom (2011)
Paris is Burning directed by Jennie Livingston (1990)
13th directed by Ava DuVernay (2016)
I May Destroy You created by Michela Cole (2020)
Online Resources
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence - VAWnet
UN Women - Intersectionality Resource Guide and Toolkit
Catalyst - Inclusive Leadership Training and Gender Equity Resources