Intersectionality, the recognition that individuals hold multiple overlapping social identities that interact to shape their experiences, represents a critical framework for understanding the complexities of professional practice and service delivery in behavior analysis. When a practitioner's or client's identities include multiple marginalized categories, such as being both Black and LGBTQ+, the resulting experiences cannot be understood by examining race or sexual orientation in isolation.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Black Men in Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →Intersectionality—the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—profoundly shapes the experiences of individuals navigating the field of behavior analysis. This panel brings together diverse voices to explore the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when these identities intersect, with a particular focus on amplifying the narratives of Black men navigating the intersections of race and sexual orientation. Featuring four panelists—three Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and one Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)—this discussion blends personal stories and professional insights to shed light on systemic barriers, implicit biases, and strategies for thriving in a field that is evolving toward greater inclusion. The conversation will highlight the critical role of representation in leadership and practice, while also addressing the importance of fostering environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building inclusive spaces, as well as a deeper understanding of how embracing intersectionality enhances the field's ability to meet the needs of diverse communities. This panel serves as both a celebration of resilience and a call to action, inviting the behavior analysis community to expand its understanding of intersectionality and commit to creating equitable and affirming spaces for all
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1.5 | Ethics |
| COA | 1.5 | — |
Shawn Thomas Capell, MS, BCBA, LBA-TX, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience in clinical leadership and education. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology in Behavior Analysis at Capella University. Shawn is the Executive Director of Covenant 15:16, LLC, and the founder of Capell Behavioral Consulting. With a deep commitment to social justice and cultural competence in Applied Behavior Analysis, Shawn has published works, presented at professional conferences, and actively mentors the next generation of behavior analysts.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
183 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.