Infographic listing resources and sources about LGBTQ and disability topics.
Resources
Disability Belongs - Respect Ability
respectability.org/resources/lgbtq
Infograph: LGBT People with Disabilities
lgbtmap.org/file/LGBT-People-With-Disabilities.pdf
Zine: IntersexCritiques: Notes on Intersex, Disability, and Biomedical Ethics by Emi Koyama
intersexinitiative.org/publications/pdf/intersexcritiques.pdf
Outing Disability (A documentary featuring narrative interviews about the sexual lives of disabled people)
outingdisability.com.au/documentary
Article: The Hollywood Disability Toolkit
respectability.org/hollywood-inclusion
Sources Used for This Post
Human Rights Campaign:
hrc.org/resources/understanding-disabled-lgbtq-people
The Trevor Project
thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/supporting-lgbtq-young-people-with-disabilities
United Spinal Association: Disability Etiquette Guide
unitedspinal.org/top-10-disability-etiquette
Text reading, "THERE ARE NO 2-SLGBTQIA+ RIGHTS WITHOUT DISABILITY RIGHTS," with an inclusive pride flag below.
Remember: there are no 2-SLGBTQIA+ rights without disability rights. Let's keep uplifting, supporting, and advocating for everyone in our community. (6/6)
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There are visible disabilities as well as non-visible disabilities, meaning not all disabilities are apparent.
A person may make a request or act in a way that seems strange to you. That request or behavior may be disability-related. For example, you may give seemingly simple verbal directions to someone, but the person asks you to write the information down. He or she may have a learning disability that makes written communication easier. Even though these disabilities are hidden, they are real.
Starting a dialogue.
To be a good ally to disabled LGBTQ+ youth, start by simply talking to them. Building a connection can reveal shared experiences. Advocate for accessible spaces, like ensuring LGBTQ+ clubs meet in accessible rooms and that off-campus activities are also inclusive. Donβt be afraid to ask about accessibility needs. Disabled LGBTQ+ young people are just like you, and taking the time to connect will show how much you have in common.
By advocating for accessibility, equality, equity, and inclusivity, we can help break down barriers and build a word where all 2-SLGBTQIA+ individuals, regardless of ability or race, are empowered to live their lives to the fullest. (5/6)
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Using person-first vs identity-first language: ask the person. Language is key in the disabled community, with two main approaches: person-first and identity-first. People with disabilities have different preferences, so it's important to ask how they want to be referred to. Avoid outdated terms like "handicapped."
Person-first language, like "a person with a disability," emphasizes the individual.
Identity-first language, such as "a disabled person," views disability as a core part of identity.
Just like the 2-SLGBTQIA+ community, some disabled individuals have reclaimed slurs for empowerment, but non-disabled people should refrain from using these terms and respect individual preferences.
Listen attentively when you are talking with a person who has difficulty speaking. Be patient and wait for the person to finish, rather than correcting or speaking for the person. If necessary, ask short or close-ended questions that require short answers, a nod or shake of the head. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Instead, repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond. The response will clue you in and guide your understanding.
People who have psychiatric disabilities may have varying personalities and different ways of coping with their disability. Some may have trouble picking up on social cues; others may be supersensitive. One person may be very high energy, while someone else may appear sluggish. Treat each person as an individual. Ask what will make them most comfortable and respect their needs to the maximum extent possible
We must be mindful of how these intersecting identities create unique experiences and advocate for solutions that consider both race and ability. Everyone deserves to love authentically and have their identity respected. (4/6)
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Adults with disabilities are adults and deserve to be treated and spoken to as adults. Do not make decisions for them. Do not tell them what to do or use baby talk. Provide them with every option you provide those without disabilities. If the option they choose presents a difficulty concerning their disability, discuss ways you could modify or adapt the choice.
If you are unsure of how you should interact with a person with a disability, just ask them. Just because someone has a disability, do not assume they need help. Do not give assistance without asking first if they want it. You can ask if the person would like help, but donβt ask repeatedly or qualify their response with βare you sure?β Respect someoneβs choice even if it looks like theyβre struggling. If there is a dangerous situation, help just as you would help someone without a disability.
For Black folk, Indigenous folk, and People of Color (BIPOC) within our community, these challenges are often amplified. The intersection of racial and disability identities can result in compounded discrimination, making it even harder to access resources, healthcare, and inclusive spaces. (3/6)
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What can you do to be an ally to disabled 2-SLGBTQIA+ folk?
Recognize Intersectional Identities. Disability does not determine gender identity or sexual orientation, as disabled people have the same diversity of genders and sexualities as non-disabled people. However, they are often infantilized, with their sexuality and gender ignored or dismissed, even by parents and caregivers.
Speak directly to a person with a disability, not to their companion or sign language interpreter. A lack of immediate response does not indicate that the person canβt or wonβt respond
We believe in standing with ALL members of our community and ensuring that our advocacy is intersectional - fighting for the rights and dignity of 2-SLGBTQIA+ people with disabilities. (2/6)
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Supporting 2-SLGBTQIA+ People with Disabilities
Disability is more common than many realize, particularly among 2-SLGBTQIA+ adults. An HRC Foundation analysis of the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System found that 36% of 2-SLGBTQIA+ adults self-reported having a disability, compared to 24% of non-2-SLGBTQIA+ adults. This includes 35% of cisgender LGBQ+ adults and 52% of transgender adults.
The intersection of being 2-SLGBTQIA+ and disabled amplifies discrimination and bias, especially for people of color, impacting daily life, education, healthcare, and work.
An estimated 3 to 5 million 2-SLGBTQIA+ people in the United States have disabilities.
2-SLGBTQIA+ folk with disabilities often feel isolated due to a lack of resources and double discrimination from the intersection of their identities. This can worsen if they also hold other marginalized identities or lack affirmation from parents and caregivers.
Schools often fail to provide affirming spaces for disabled 2-SLGBTQIA+ youth. Special education programs rarely address sexuality, and mainstream schools offer little information on disabilities and queer identities. Additionally, non-disabled peers often lack experience interacting with disabled people, further increasing feelings of isolation.
At the intersection of disability and the 2-SLGBTQIA+ identities lies a unique set of challenges that many individuals face. For those navigating both worlds, it's essential that support systems are inclusive, accessible, and affirming of both their gender and ability. (THREAD - 1/?)
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Protect trans kids.
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protect trans kids
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PROTECT TRANS KIDS.
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A friendly reminder and some excellent book recommendations for your Wednesday. π³οΈββ§οΈπ³οΈβπ
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To the 2-SLGBTQIA+ community: As the new administration fights to erase us, we will continue standing for and standing by you. All of us at Ottawa Area Center for Pride are with you in this battle and will fight fervently to protect you. You exist. Your life is important. You matter. You have an entire community with you. Stay with us, stay informed. -OACFP Board
To the 2-SLGBTQIA+ community: As the new administration fights to erase us, we will continue standing for and standing by you. All of us at Ottawa Area Center for Pride are with you in this battle and will fight fervently to protect you. You exist. You matter. You have an entire community with you.
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This election season - and the climate we currently find ourselves in - can bring up a wide range of emotions for many of us in the 2-SLGBTQIA+ community. We're offering support groups for 2-SLGBTQIA+ youth and adults, respectively, on Saturday, January 18.Β Sign up here: bit.ly/4fTGfUJ
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