Disability Pride and Community Accessibility - July Newsletter
Beautiful Beings,
My body hurts today.
Having just wound our way out of LGBTQ+ Pride Month (that I wrote about my feelings for over on Patreon) which doubled up with Men's Mental Health Month and included Juneteenth, we turn the page to Disability Pride Month (which doubles with International Nonbinary People's Day July 14th).
I'm supposed to be proud. But I hurt, and I struggle with internalized ableism that says I "should" be able to do what "others can do."
Chronically Jenni shares this fantastic video that explains what Disability Pride Month is, why people celebrate it, and why it is especially important right now. It includes its origins, the meaning behind the flag, and the myths that need tackled about disability and disabled people to this day.
She shares: "Disability isn’t a tragedy, it’s a natural part of human diversity. Pride and difficulty can coexist. And disabled people deserve to be celebrated."
I recently bought a shirt that reads "Disabled, Queer, and Proud AF" from the folks at Disability Culture Lab who are a nonprofit that work to shift the narrative on disability from fear and pity to solidarity and liberation. "We exist to fight ableism and celebrate disability community and culture. We're building strategic communications infrastructure by and for the disability community."
It is an aspiration.
When I am flat in bed though, it's hard:
When I see sexuality communities and queer spaces that require climbing stairs to get to events
When events don't have translators available
When there aren't digital or audio versions of programs
When spaces ban phones people use to communicate
When artificial scents stop people from visiting
When every space has low lighting
When all the play parties are loud
When you can't get to the venue by bus
And more...
So what are you doing to help your space?
Honestly, I'm in the midst of writing a primer/mini-book on Kink & Disability. I'm aiming for it to be 75 trade pages paperback with a large-font version that will be larger both paper and font -wise. I'm hopeful, and about 1/3 done. Cheer me on. That's how I'm working in Disability Pride.
It's aspirational - and I'm aspiring and fighting my internalized ablism while helping my communities do better.
You?
I have so many events coming up soon too! Check out below for lots of disability (and sexuality) resources, Patreon posts, and more.
Much love,
Lee
Lee's Resources
Please enjoy additional resources for inspiration, joy, and possibility:
Watch my Kink and Disability class for free
Learn from EtoileDC and their upcoming class "Playing with Deaf People"
Listen to Andrew Gurza on the Disability After Dark podcast
Get info from the American Sexual Health Association's Disability and Sexual Health Series
Find resources for advocacy with Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
"Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you."
-Beyoncé
What you're missing over on Patreon
In the past few weeks, I have had a chance to connect with my Patrons regularly through:
Fair Energetic Exchange: Destigmatizing the Needs of Community Leaders, Presenters and Volunteers (keynote speeh/essay)
Trans Pleasure Rights - Class Notes (class summary)
Men With More - A Denied Project Proposal (rejected project proposal)
Erotic Awakening Podcast
Lee discusses Self-Harm vs. Masochism, Scissortail, & Shallowing with Dan & Dawn.
Fat Chicks on Top: A Body Liberation Podcast
A discussion on sacred kink, engagement with community, and possibility modeling.
Upcoming Appearances
I have a number of exciting upcoming classes and events!
Getting Spicy and Freaky! BDSM & Kink Basics (European Evening Time)
Beyond Bowed Heads & Keynote
What's Your Fetish? Exploring Fetishes and Intense Desires
Role-Playing or Role-Being: Identity, Exploration, and Mental Health
Getting Spicy & Freaky! BDSM & Kink Basics (US Evening Time)
Finding Your Powers: The 10 Sides of What Gets Called "D/s"
To check out all my further scheduled classes and intensives throughout the year (and more being added regularly), visit my Upcoming Appearances page to learn more. I also have upcoming events in Colorado, New Jersey, California, and on an array of online platforms and conferences. To enjoy further free material from me, consider joining me on Patreon where I share weekly resources, monthly classes, and more :)
Much love to you all and see you soon!
Yours in Passion and Soul,
Lee Harrington
http://www.PassionAndSoul.com
