International Day of Disabled People: LGBTQ+ and Disabilities

What is International Day of Disabled Persons?

December 3rd is observed as International Day of Disabled Persons to celebrate all disabled persons. This is a day that the United Nations has celebrated every year since 1992. The importance of the day is to ensure that all people in the world have equal opportunities for work, play, health, and success. People with disabilities can be and very often are contributing and valued members of society, and today is all about appreciating them.

There are lots of disabled lesbian, gay, bi and queer (LGBQT) people out there, and they find partners and love the same way everyone else does.

How can you support?

1. Fight for accessibility: Society is designed to meet the needs of non-disabled people. As a result, disabled people are often excluded from events, activities and places that are inaccessible. If you help to run these events, choose venues and plan events that are accessible to all parts of the LGBT community. If you attend these events, ask the organisers what they are doing to make it an accessible space for everyone.

2. Watch your language: Language is a crucial tool for marginalised communities – it helps us identify ourselves in ways that feel empowering. This is particularly true for the LGBT and disabled communities. Every LGBT disabled person will have a unique relationship to language and a preference for what terminology they prefer.

3. Respect their experiences: It’s essential that you recognise every disabled LGBT person as an individual. We all have our own unique experiences, voice, and identity. There are a wide array of disabilities that impact people in different ways, and how this intersects with their sexuality will also vary. One person’s experiences don’t represent the whole LGBT or disabled community – so please listen to our experiences but don’t expect us to be a spokesperson for all LGBT disabled people.

4. Don’t make assumptions: Disabilities are complex and varied, and many people have disabilities that are hidden and not immediately obvious. LGBT and disabled people don’t look or act in a particular way. You should never assume or make assumptions based on a person’s sexuality, gender, or disability.

5. Support LGBT disabled organizations: There are a whole host of organizations doing incredible work for the LGBT disabled community. Step up as an ally by learning and supporting these charities.

   
   

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