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The word privilege comes from the Latin word privilegium—meaning a law for just one person, a benefit enjoyed by an individual or group beyond what is available to others. Social privilege can be an unearned right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed by a specific group, granting a level of comfort, security, and even access beyond the advantages of those who exist outside of that privilege. Privilege gives something of value— acceptance, inclusion, and respect in the world—that is denied to others simply because of how they identify or the groups they belong to.

Social privilege is not something you can just throw away or give away, but privilege can be used responsibly to grant access and equity to those on the margins of society. When it comes to social privileges, how has access or a lack thereof impacted your life?