This study offers an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the intersectional experiences of two 'black or minority ethnic', female dyslexic students as they navigate university spaces within white-male dominated disciplines. The participants kept reflective journals for three weeks after which they took part in a one-to-one interview discussion structured around their journal entries. Following multi-level analysis using IPA (Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis), the participants' experiences are discussed under two themes: "why does that happen?" and "should I be here?" Following each themed discussion, the authors present their personal reflections upon the emotions and tensions they experienced as part of a black researcher, white-researcher partnership.