Inclusive Activism: Amplifying Voices at the Intersection of LGBTQIA+ Pride and Disability

June 3, 2024 | by sau1admin

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. SAU1 is proud to speak up against unfair treatment of people with and without disabilities who are part of the LGBTQA+ community.

The Library of Congress tells us that the first gay pride march was celebrated in June of 1970. June was chosen to honor what is called The Stonewall Uprising of 1969. This uprising was when members of the LGBTQIA+ community spoke up against police that were against rights for LGBTQIA+ people. Not allowing certain groups of people to do something that others can do is called discrimination. We celebrate the uniqueness of those in the LGBTQIA+ community every year in June.

Those that belong to both the disability community and the LGBTQIA+ community are more likely to experience discrimination and have trouble living their life the way they choose. The Human Rights Campaign says 36% of LGBTQ+ community members also report having a disability. Also, 52% of transgender people report having some kind of disability. Supporting the people that fit into these categories and communities is very, very important to them having a positive self-identity and a positive life experience.

The Trevor Project offers some tips and tricks for supporting people with disabilities who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the biggest things the Trevor Project says is to use person first words, focusing on the importance of the person over their disability or other characteristics. You can also talk to them and ask them how they would like to be addressed. Always respect someone's choice and control, including how they would like to be identified, using pronouns appropriate to them. Using person first words will also get rid of, or lower, the fear of ableism. Ableism means discriminating against someone because of their disability.

The most important thing that everyone can do is come together and talk about their struggles and how they can make change happen. SAU1 offers a list of resources that anyone can use if they or someone they know are having a tough time and need support

This June we invite you to take pride in your personal power. We invite you to speak up and share your experiences. However you identify, we support you and we put our power behind you. Happy Pride Month!