Intersectional environmentalism with Jocelyn Gee

Tell us about yourself!

I grew up in a multiracial household with Russian, Jewish, and Chinese-American backgrounds in Los Angeles. I lived with an undiagnosed chronic illness— later to be discovered as endometriosis— for 19 years. And, on discovering the LBGTQIA+ community, I embraced my nonbinary and pansexual pride.

I'm currently focused on building my audience through Instagram content, which includes: photography, paintings, drawings, and other art that promotes the protection of our planet and its people. I also have a Patreon (@goldengreengirl). Please support and share my advocacy, art, and education!

My chronic pain and medical trials forced personal growth. My worldview was shaped by curiosity, understanding, pain, suffering, and joy. Then, my condition was finally diagnosed and treated– but not before impacting my soul.

I work to empower those facing adversity, and promote accessible activism and intersectional justice. In the future, I plan to pursue work as an environmentalist with a focus on intersectional justice and climate science. I plan to utilize digital storytelling, narratives, art, and science to produce content that will inform the public on environmental topics including climate change, sustainability, fashion, waste, energy, ecology, bioengineering, agriculture, and more.

Why do you care about the environment?

I am an Environmentalist because if society does not change its ways, it will not continue. I want to preserve the environment for humanity and our future generations. I want our grandchildren’s children to experience the wonder of biodiversity and an even deeper connection with the Earth. I am enraged by environmental racism that endangers and traumatizes BIPOC communities. I want to protect the futures of those struggling today and those who will struggle tomorrow. We need to preserve Earth’s ecological marvels and mysteries. Humanity needs to create a sustainable, regenerative, and ethical future.

What is intersectional environmentalism?

Past mainstream environmental movements have neither considered nor directly communicated with BIPOC communities about environmental justice. Income inequality has exacerbated our exploitative and extractive economy, a dysfunctional system that widens the gap and furthers racist agendas. BIPOC communities are more likely to live on the front lines of the climate crisis. BIPOC communities disproportionately face increased exposure to environmental hazards including air, water, and soil contamination. More hazards include natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes, and floods.Landfills and factories are constantly pushed into low-income and BIPOC communities. Living near environmental hazards often cause injury, birth defects, and related health conditions. BIPOC communities also have less political influence that can impact funding and community budgets. Society must invest in our communities and empower those at the forefront of the climate crisis.

Do you think we have a chance at stopping climate change?

I refuse to believe in any future in which humankind does not confront climate change and manage the fallout. Stopping climate change was never an option. t is about mitigating and addressing the consequences of the climate crisis. We must focus on what we can control. Climate change is truly a threat unlike any humankind has ever faced. Our only chance at stopping climate change lies in recreating a society that mirrors the civic efforts of the Great Depression and WWII. We need to build a movement that focuses our collective and individual actions on combating the environmental crisis. We need energy, participation, and commitment at all levels of society– government, private industry, education and research, local communities, and even our own families. We can survive the Anthropocene only after overcoming our greatest weakness – our shortsightedness.

What is gen z’s part to play in helping the environment?

Gen Z is the future of the fight for racial environmental justice. Future generations must use the people’s power and political power to achieve change. We need more leaders like Irsa Hirsi, Jamie Margolin, and Greta Thunberg. All have led national conversations about climate change and environmental injustices. We need to pursue low-carbon professions that educate, care for, and empower others (teaching, volunteering, etc.). Gen Z needs to demand sustainability and ethics from all of our favorite brands. We need environmentalism at the forefront of our government, our academics, our NGOs, and all of our priorities. Voting, getting involved with local business and politics, and promoting environmental awareness are critical steps to creating a revolution. Truly, we must transform our economy away from extraction and towards regeneration. We can ask ourselves, should I purchase this? Or do I already have what I need, a more sustainable or eco-friendly alternative? Gen Z can do what past generations have failed – create an eco-revolution

What can gen z do to fight racial environmental injustice?

Gen Z can self-educate and start conversations about environmental justice. We need to talk with perceived adversaries, engage with the most adversely impacted BIPOC communities, and guide the discussion to revolve around intersectional justice. Environmental racism is a fantastic starting point for those who want to learn more about environmentalism. Enviro-racism is entrenched in our societies. Gen Z needs to teach future generations how to see the full kaleidoscope of intersectional environmental justice.

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