At Easterseals, we believe in celebrating the rich tapestry of identities within the disability and LGBTQ+ communities. We're taking our commitment to inclusivity further by sharing authentic perspectives from disabled LGBTQ+ voices. From podcast conversations with LGBTQ+ disability advocates to thought-provoking blog posts by disabled LGBTQ+ writers, we invite you to join us in amplifying these firsthand experiences, stories, and resources.
Easterseals is in partnership with equalpride, one of the largest media companies advancing LGBTQ+ equality and supporting LGBTQ+ youth. We are looking forward to exploring how full equity, inclusion, and access looks like at the intersection of disability and LGBTQ+ identities.
Going Beyond Representation
We are exploring topics and stories that go beyond just acknowledging the existence of an identity and dives into authentic perspectives that impact the disabled and queer community.
Attention writers! Are you a member of the disabled LGBTQ+ community? We want to hear your story and offer a chance to share your unique perspective. As part of our #BeyondRepresentation campaign, we are providing a platform to share firsthand experiences of intersectional identity.
Selected writers will be asked to write a piece for the Easterseals blog. While we would love to feature everyone, please note that due to limited space, we will be selecting a few people to commission for this project. Rest assured, we believe in fair compensation for selected contributors.
Interested in sharing your story? Reach out to us on social media or email ehawley [at] easterseals.com to learn more about this exciting opportunity! Let's come together to celebrate the power of intersectional storytelling.
Share the Love
Thank you to Wren, a talented LGBTQ+ artist, who created the illustrations for our Pride Month campaign, including the one below.
Join us on social media using hashtag #BeyondRepresentation.
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Featured Perspectives and Stories
Queer, Old and Crippled: One Person's Perspective
While the author uses “crippled” to describe his disability identity, Easterseals does not use this word to describe disabled people. "First of all, I’m still gay. Disability does not alter that fact for any gay person. Being less than what the gay community describes as perfect is burdensome. Each disabled gay person has had to traverse a difficult field of prejudice to enjoy the benefits of a gay life."
Read More from Guest Blogger Bill Gordon
Tomorrow Will Be Better: On Queer Pride as a Disabled Person
"As a queer, disabled person reflecting on Pride this month, I’m struck by how much Pride resonates with me as a process rather than a discrete event. "
Read More from Guest Blogger Anna Goldberg
Reflecting on Being Non-Binary and Autistic
"I knew I was non-binary before I knew I was autistic. But neither were surprising to me, truthfully. I am not the first, and I’m certainly not the last, to be at this intersection of identity."
Read More from Guest Blogger Liz Johnson
Listen to Our Podcast
Dom Evans is a disabled trans queer director/writer and disability advocate. In a recent episode of Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong, Evans talks candidly about marriage equality, mental health, and the importance of community.
Listen In
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Celebrates Pride
The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge(EDFC) has provided disabled talent and aspiring filmmakers a chance to showcase their work and establish meaningful opportunities over the past decade. We’re showcasing some of the films that highlight both disability and LGBTQ+ representation.
Watch the "EDFC Celebrates Pride Month" Youtube Playlist
Providing Welcoming Transportation to the LGBTQ+ Community
It is important to understand how to provide a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people, and making them feel supported in community spaces, like the use of transportation. Created in partnership with the Center for Excellence: LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (administered by Easterseals) has produced a Tip Sheet for organizations to provide welcoming transportation services to all riders.
Learn More
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