Author Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes Discusses Intersectionality in the Workplace

Dr. Barnes wearing a green dress, sitting cross legged on an orange chair.

By Arielle Dance, PhD - Writer at Diversability

Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, author of "The Invisible Battle" (from Triumph in the Trenches, Vol 2) chatted with Diversability about her book and platform. “Through inspiring personal stories, contributors expose how systemic barriers often value conformity over authenticity and silence over truth.” In response to our previous articles about workplace accommodations and disability disclosure in the workplace, this conversation with Dr. Barnes is a deeper dive into the realities of intersectionality in the workplace.

Diversability: What is your personal experience as a disabled employee and how can books like your support employees? 

Xenia: As a Black woman with hidden disabilities, I've experienced the double bind of being simultaneously hypervisible and invisible – my race making me conspicuous while my disability needs were consistently overlooked or dismissed. Books like mine validate these experiences while providing concrete language for requesting accommodations, building support networks, and navigating systems not designed with us in mind. They transform isolated struggles into collective action for change.

Diversability: Can you talk a little bit about the intersection between race and disabilities in the workplace? 

Xenia: The intersection of race and disabilities creates compounded barriers where Black professionals face both racial discrimination and disability bias simultaneously. Research shows Black employees are significantly less likely to receive requested accommodations, with 83% of Black women experiencing domestic violence reporting workplace performance impacts. This intersection creates unique challenges requiring targeted interventions that address both racial equity and disability inclusion rather than treating them as separate issues.

Diversability:Why is it important for you to share your experience about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace? 

Xenia: Sharing my experience about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is crucial because lived experiences expose gaps between policy and reality that statistics alone cannot capture. Black women's stories reveal how intersectional discrimination creates unique barriers that remain invisible in broader DEI conversations. By speaking our truth, we create pathways for meaningful change that address the complex realities we navigate daily.

Diversability: Can you share a little history about the meaning behind “The Green Book”?

Xenia: "The Green Book" was originally a guide created in 1936 by Victor Hugo Green that helped Black travelers safely navigate a segregated America by identifying welcoming establishments and avoiding dangers. It represented both the harsh reality of discrimination and the community's resilience in creating support and safety systems when institutions failed them. This historical document was a survival guide for Black Americans traversing hostile environments – much like what many Black professionals need in today's workplace.

Diversability: What inspired you to begin writing “The Green Book for Black Professionals”? 

Xenia: Our editor and publisher, Elona Washington, made the initial connection between the original “Green Book” and “Triumph in the Trenches.”  When she brought it to the attention of myself and the other contributing authors, we were inspired to write "The Green Book for Black Professionals.” For me, it was the years of witnessing countless talented Black colleagues struggle with invisible barriers and lacking the language to advocate for themselves effectively. The statistical disparities were alarming – Black women being 2.3x less likely to receive workplace accommodations and only 30% feeling comfortable requesting mental health support. These numbers represented real people whose potential was being limited by systemic failures that needed to be documented and addressed.

Diversability: How does “Triumph in the Trenches” address disabilities?

Xenia: “Triumph in the Trenches" addresses disabilities by confronting the specific challenges faced by Black professionals with hidden disabilities, particularly mental health conditions that are often stigmatized. The book provides practical accommodation strategies while challenging the "strong Black woman" stereotype that prevents many from seeking necessary support. It emphasizes that disability inclusion requires both policy change and cultural transformation to create truly accessible workplaces.

Diversability: What advice would you give to workplaces and people managers/leaders about disability inclusion?

Xenia: My advice to workplaces and leaders about disability inclusion is to recognize that accommodation processes must be examined through an intersectional lens. Create anonymous reporting systems, establish clear metrics tracking accommodation approvals by demographic data, and develop specific support for employees with intersecting marginalized identities. Most importantly, shift from a compliance mindset to understanding that disability inclusion is about creating environments where everyone can contribute their full talents and potential.

Diversability would like to thank Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes for this informative Q&A about intersectional experiences in the workplace. Follow Dr. Barnes’ journey on instagram @coachbarnesgmt_ and on Linked In. She invites readers to learn more about events through her website and listserv www.revdrxeniabarnes.com. 

Rev. Dr. Barnes addresses critical issues like workplace trauma, cultural betrayal, and systemic barriers while building resilient teams to handle modern workplace challenges.