Decolonial thinking and intersectionality: a psychosocial study of the ONG Raízes do Norte Goiano

Abstract

This article describes an experience report about the psychosocial processes experienced at the ONG Raízes do Norte Goiano (ONG RNG) between the period from 2018 to 2023 in the state of Goiás. Conceived by a couple of black women, candomblecists and lesbians, the ONG designed and developed social projects guided by a decolonial and intersectional perspective between the categories of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, capacity, regionality, social class, religiosity/spirituality and generation. This is a qualitative and interdisciplinary research developed through participant observation and with analyzes based on the theoretical-practical assumptions of intersectionality, the psychosocial field, decolonial epistemologies and studies about ethnic-racial relations in Brazilian society. As a result, it was noticed that social projects contributed to the strengthening of black identity in an intersectional perspective and offered tools to rethink the hegemonic epistemic model, fostering critical thinking that opposes the naturalization of social inequalities. Finally, it was concluded that the actions of the ONG RNG can contribute to the confrontation of multiple oppressions and to the construction of a democratic society based on ethical, aesthetic and political principles of decolonial thinking.