As Pride Month approaches each year, colourful displays of support, joy, and love for the LGBTQ+ community become widespread. However, within these celebrations, a notable portion of another community feels excluded and marginalised. Disabled individuals often find Pride events physically and emotionally inaccessible, despite the message that “Everyone is welcome.”
This post explores these issues and suggests practical measures to establish a more inclusive environment.
Physical Barriers at Pride Events: Parade Routes and Public Space
One of the most visible aspects of Pride is the parade. These parades are a powerful expression of visibility and solidarity but are frequently inaccessible to those with mobility impairments. Imagine navigating the crowd if you were blind or in a powered wheelchair, constantly at risk of being jostled or tripped over because the route isn’t designed with accessibility in mind. The absence of designated pathways for wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids is a glaring oversight and something we could fix easily.
Lack of Personal Assistance
It’s so important to consider the absence of personal support workers or attendants at Pride events. Many disabled individuals rely on assistance with basic tasks like eating, drinking, or using the restroom. Without these services, attending Pride events can be uncomfortable and challenging, deterring many from participating. Given the significant revenue generated by Pride festivals, it’s crucial to prioritise allocating funds for attendant care. I came across information indicating that Los Angeles Pride generated $74.7 million in 2019. Allocating a small portion of this revenue could make a tremendous difference in improving accessibility.
Inaccessible Venues
The lack of wheelchair accessibility at the venues for Pride parties and events, often iconic bars and clubs, presents significant challenges for disabled individuals. This exclusion not only restricts their participation in Pride events but also contradicts the message of inclusion that the days of action are promoting. Let’s work together to ensure equal access for all.
Emotional Inaccessibility and Ableism: Attitudinal Barrier
Beyond physical barriers, the attitudes of fellow Pride-goers can be a significant source of emotional distress for disabled individuals. Many experience ableism in the form of pity, exclusion, or outright invisibility. For example, an attempt to join a dance at a party might be met with cold stares and dismissal, reminiscent of high school cliques. Such experiences can be profoundly disheartening and further alienate disabled individuals from the community.
Lack of Representation
Visible representation of disabled individuals in Pride events is often minimal. The absence of dedicated floats, marching groups, or prominent roles for disabled people sends a message that their presence is merely tolerated rather than celebrated. This lack of representation perpetuates the idea that disabled people are an afterthought in the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Steps Towards Inclusivity: Creating Accessible Environments
To genuinely include disabled individuals, Pride events must prioritise accessibility. This would need to include:
- Designated pathways for wheelchairs and mobility aids along parade routes.
- Provision of personal support workers to assist with essential needs.
- Accessible signage in braille and the availability of interpreters for the blind and hard of hearing.
Education and Awareness
Changing attitudes requires education and awareness. Workshops and discussion sessions focused on disability and ableism can offer non-disabled individuals the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and confront their biases in a safe environment. These sessions could help to demystify disabilities and encourage more meaningful connections within the community.
Visibility and Representation
Ensuring visible representation of disabled individuals in Pride events is crucial. This can be achieved by:
- Including disabled individuals in planning committees to ensure their needs and perspectives are considered.
- Creating dedicated floats or groups within the parade for disabled members of the community.
- Highlighting stories and contributions of disabled LGBTQ+ individuals in Pride media and promotional materials
To Conclude
The LGBTQ+ community prides itself on inclusivity and acceptance. Yet, to truly embody these values, they must actively work towards making Pride events accessible and welcoming for everyone, including disabled individuals.
By addressing both the physical and emotional barriers they face, they can create a Pride that fully celebrates all facets of their diverse community.
Surely it’s time to ensure that no one feels like an inconvenient afterthought, but rather a cherished and integral part of the celebration.
Love always Alisha 🫶
P.S As always I am here if you ever need to talk, just click below for my contact information