Disability Pride Month and THIS is happening!?
Disability Pride Month. A term you might not be familiar with. You’ll most likely know all about LGBTQIA+ Pride but Disability Pride? Is that even a thing? Well, yes it is and it’s been celebrated since 1990 originating in NYC to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But let me share a bit of my journey and what this month is all about for me this year.
Years, even decades, were spent with me wrestling with the label 'disabled'. It was a reality I was determined not to accept. But now that I’ve fully embraced this part of me, I can't help but reflect on my past reluctance with a bewildered shake of my head. Yes, it took me an incredible amount of time to come to terms with my disability and I truly can't believe how long I resisted. Looking back over the last 5 years now, I realise it’s bloomin' brilliant being disabled!
Of course, the world absolutely needs to improve vastly in terms of accessibility. Every day, we encounter physical barriers like stairs without ramps, doors too narrow for wheelchairs, and so many more. Then there are other barriers that are nothing to do with wheelchairs - lack of braille signage, no captioning on videos and so on. Then, of course, there are societal barriers – stereotypes, discrimination, stigma. And now we have, with the rise of social media activity, abuse in the online spaces. These challenges need to be acknowledged, addressed, and overcome.
But being disabled isn't just about the challenges. It's also about resilience, strength, and community.
The disability community is second to none. We understand each other's struggles and triumphs, supporting each other through tough times, and celebrating victories. This bond, formed from shared experiences, is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of.
However, right now, our community is facing some internal tension. An upcoming documentary has stirred up contention, dividing us when unity is so crucial. It breaks my heart to see us turning on each other when we already have enough battles to fight outside of our community.
Differing opinions do not have to warrant victimisation or blame - yes, even polarised opinions. Right now it's critical that we dig deep and hold on to the ties that bind us, respecting each other's perspectives and remembering that our shared experiences and common goals are stronger than any disagreement.
As we face this challenge why not use it to become stronger, together, to adapt, to persevere. We already navigate a world that wasn’t designed for us so let’s tackle this challenge in the same way - with grace and determination. Let this challenge we’re facing make us stronger, more resilient. After all, that’s what we do. We innovate, we persevere, we rise above the adversity. We can learn from our disagreements, grow from our differences, and emerge stronger, more united.
Right now the world will be looking at us - fighting. I’m sure there will be some rubbing their grubby little hands in glee. Wouldn’t it be better to not to give them the satisfaction? Instead to see us pulling together, acknowledging our difference of opinion but holding space for each other, supporting each other without having to agree? I know I’m optimistic, maybe naively so but I hope that we get there.
Disability Pride Month can be about so much more than acknowledging the challenges. For me, it's really about FREEDOM. Freedom to be myself at last, to embrace every part of my identity, to live authentically and proudly. Freedom to challenge the status quo, to advocate for change, to make a difference.
So, this Disability Pride Month, let's not just focus on the challenges. Let's celebrate our freedom, our strengths, our resilience. And yes, let’s celebrate our community, the progress we've made, and commit to the work still to be done.
Because being disabled isn't just about facing challenges - it's about embracing who we are, taking pride in that, and using our unique experiences to effect change. It's about celebrating the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves, and the beauty that lies in our diversity. So here's to Disability Pride Month – a time to celebrate, reflect, and advocate for a truly more inclusive future.