Pride Month is a time of celebration and reflection for many in the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s a moment to honor the legacy of resistance, to remember the struggles that paved the way, and to recognize the ongoing fight for equality. But for those of us who are both Queer and Disabled, Pride is more than just a celebration—it’s an act of defiance.
Queer Disabled people have always been at the forefront of justice movements, reshaping what it means to belong. From the streets of San Francisco to the grassroots movements of the South, we have demanded space, access, and recognition. Yet, even in our own communities, accessibility is often an afterthought, and our struggles are sidelined. This exclusion is not incidental; it’s a reflection of systemic ableism and the persistent myth that LGBTQIA+ spaces are inherently inclusive without intentional design.
The Legacy of Resistance
Our history is rich with Queer Disabled activists who fought not just for visibility, but for survival. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson, who was both Queer and disabled, led the charge for trans rights while navigating the barriers of poverty and disability. Her legacy is a testament to the power of intersectional resistance—an insistence that justice must be accessible to all, not just those who fit neatly into society’s boxes.
Pride, in its most radical form, has always been about disruption. It began with protest—not parties—and Queer Disabled people have always been part of that protest, pushing back against exclusion both within and outside the LGBTQIA+ community. Yet, we often find ourselves fighting for basic access to Pride events, navigating spaces that are not designed with us in mind. This exclusion is a barrier to full participation and a reminder that inclusion cannot be assumed; it must be built intentionally.
Why Intersectionality Matters
Intersectionality is not just a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. For those of us living at the crossroads of Queerness and Disability, intersectionality is how we navigate the world. It is how we understand that ableism and queerphobia are not separate; they are intertwined. When disabled people are left out of Pride, it is not just an oversight; it is a perpetuation of exclusion that mirrors broader societal neglect.
Building accessible, inclusive LGBTQIA+ spaces is an act of solidarity, not charity. It is a recognition that none of us are free until all of us are free. And that freedom is not just about legal rights—it’s about the ability to show up fully in our bodies, in our identities, without fear or barrier.
The Path Forward: Solidarity and Action
Pride is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. If we are to honor the legacy of those who fought before us, we must ensure that Queer Disabled voices are not just included but amplified. This means making Pride spaces accessible—physically, socially, and economically. It means rejecting performative allyship and pushing for true solidarity that recognizes the full humanity of Queer Disabled people.
To thrive at the intersections of Pride and Disability Justice, we must hold our movements accountable. We must demand more than representation—we must demand transformation. Because when we build accessible spaces, we are not just building them for ourselves; we are building them for everyone.
Join the Movement
This Pride Month, let’s move beyond symbolic gestures. Let’s commit to real, tangible change that centers accessibility and uplifts Queer Disabled voices. Let’s show up for each other, build together, and thrive unapologetically at the intersections of Pride and Disability Justice.
Download our Intersectional Pride Checklist.
Featured image for this blog courtesy the Disabled And Here collection.
