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# Navigating Identity in Coaching
- URL: https://the-yes-and-works.ghost.io/navigating-identity-in-coaching/
- Published: 2025-01-02T09:01:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-12T02:31:05.000Z
- Author: Jaz Marfo
- Tags: #Coaching, Work-Life, #Migrated-1794450653318, #sqs, #Import 2026-11-12 02:30, #breaking

Let’s unpack a concept that often goes unspoken in coaching sessions: the intersection of identity and how it can shape the dynamics of a coaching relationship. This concept could be referred to as “Coaching Intersectionality,” a term that’s growing in exploration and relevance, especially as coaching becomes more inclusive.

## Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a term popularized by [Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw, examines how various aspects of a pe](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)rson’s identity can overlap to create unique experiences of advantage or disadvantage. This is crucial in understanding the coaching dynamic because coaches work with individuals who possess a multitude of identities, including, but not limited to, race, gender, religion, sexuality, and ability status.

The Role of Identity in Selecting a Coach Choosing a coach is a personal decision[ that can benefit fro](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)m considering the following factors:

### 1\. Affinity Bias

Affinity bias is our natural tendency to connect more with thos[e who appear similar to us. It’s vital ](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)to be aware of this bias in selecting a coach to ensure that we’re not only relying on superficial elements, like appearance or shared interests, but are instead focused on deeper, meaningful connections.

### 2\. Lived Experience

While shared lived experiences between a coach and a client [can foster understanding, it’s not always ](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)necessary. The emphasis should be on a coach’s ability to comprehend and respect your identity, even without shared personal history.

### 3\. Context and Socialization

Understanding the cultural backdrop and social upbr[inging can be crucial](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en). Some el[ements of coaching, l](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)ike setting boundaries, may be perceived differently across cultures. It’s important to find a coach who acknowledges and appreciates these differences, without forcing a perspective.

The coaching industry, like many others, is working towards inclusivity. This jou[rney requires coaches](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en) to be aware of and open to discussions about identity and intersectionality and you to be empowered and welcomed to take part in those discussions.

> Coaching should empower the client, and it must be a partnership built on trust, [understanding, and in](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)tentional decisions.

## Questions to Consider When Choosing a Coach

For those considering coaching, it’s[ essential to ask que](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)stions about inclusion, [identity, and lived e](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)xperiences. This ensures that your needs and perspectives are fully acknowledged in the coaching relationship. Remember, it’s not unreasonable to expect a coach to be culturally aware and empathetic.

Whether you’re a current or prospective client, intersectionality and identity is[ welcomed as part of ](https://web.archive.org/web/20250116011659/https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle%5Fcrenshaw%5Fthe%5Furgency%5Fof%5Fintersectionality?subtitle=en)your decision-making process when choosing a coach. This ensures that the partnership formed is genuine, understanding, and capable of fostering your personal growth.