On this episode of Intersectionality Lab, we sit down with Danusia Garrison-Chedvinsky—a leading voice in philosophy, international peace, and justice—to unpack a form of discrimination that often goes unnamed but deeply felt: gendered ageism. Danusia breaks down how middle-aged and older women are pushed to the margins in a culture that equates worth with youth. As women gain experience, wisdom, and influence, they paradoxically face a cultural “disappearance.” She introduces the powerful concept of symbolic annihilation—the media’s systematic erasure of older women as complex, desirable, and relevant human beings. Far from harmless, she argues, this erasure is a form of violence that strips women of visibility and power while reinforcing narrow stereotypes about beauty, value, and femininity. We explore how these narratives play out differently across cultures, contrasting the U.S. obsession with youth against more age-inclusive norms in parts of Asia and Europe—especially in industries like modeling and dating. From Hollywood storylines to dating apps, Danusia dissects the “male gaze” that normalizes older men partnering with much younger women, while older women are cast as invisible or undesirable. She exposes the transactional undercurrents of modern dating—where wealth, youth, and validation collide—and explains why many older women are opting out altogether rather than stepping into roles as caregivers or status symbols. But this conversation doesn’t end in critique—it moves toward action. Danusia calls for both macro- and micro-activism, urging systemic change alongside personal reckoning. She challenges listeners to confront their own internalized ageism and reimagine aging not as decline, but as expansion. This episode is a bold, eye-opening look at power, perception, and what it truly means to be seen. Guest bio Danusia is a multi-hyphenate renaissance person. As a former professor of human rights and conflict negotiations, Danusia's fiction writing is steeped in social commentary. She is currently working on a collection of short stories in the science fiction genre. Forever a student of the human condition, Danusia writes brand copy for emerging start-ups and advises on strategy boards. Danusia is also a model based in New York City. She has done everything from small outerwear brands to major beauty campaigns and runways. She is set to enter the European market this spring. Danusia has appeared with Off-Broadway Comedy sketch troupes and frequents open mic comedy and storytelling events in Brooklyn, NY. She is developing a comedic character on TikTok and pursuing commercial and voiceover acting. Follow Danusia at instagram.com/danusiagnyc Additional resources Edström, M. (2018). Visibility patterns of gendered ageism in the media buzz: a study of the representation of gender and age over three decades. Feminist Media Studies, 18(1), 77–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680777.2018.1409989 Gewirtz-Meydan, A., & Ayalon, L. (2017). Forever young: Visual representations of gender and age in online dating sites for older adults. Journal of Women & Aging, 30(6), 484–502. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2017.1330586 Jyrkinen, M. (2014). Women managers, careers and gendered ageism. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 30(2), 175-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scaman.2013.07.002
