Pride Isn't For Everyone (LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 1)

I am saying all this as a citizen of the United States.

It’s June, which means it’s LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. And as an LGBTQIA+ Disabled person, the ableism during this month really upsets me.

I have found that a lot of people tend to forget, or just not care, that there are disabled LGBTQIA+ people.

First off, an obvious topic of discussion during this month is marriage equality. How same-sex couples can get married if they so choose. Except, that’s not entirely true. If a disabled person has social security they have to stay below a certain number in terms of their income to keep their (lifesaving) benefits. If they go any amount above that number, all those things are taken away.

So, when it comes to moving in with a partner or getting married, disabled people do not have that privilege. Same-sex or not. Keep this in mind the next time you talk about marriage equality existing.

(I personally am not on social security - something I will talk about in another post - so talk to and learn more from people that are.)

Another example of apparent ableism during this month is the actual celebration(s) of Pride (ex: Pride festivals).

Many people at Pride festivals don’t wear masks. Which makes it incredibly unsafe for immunocompromised people. We deserve to live and celebrate Pride just as much as nondisabled people do.

(I understand there are people who are unable to wear masks, so this goes out to the people that can wear masks but choose not to. If you’re not going to wear one to protect yourself, do it for others. Do it for that elderly neighbor you’re fond of. Do it for your immunocompromised friend or family member who’s too afraid to tell you they are because you refuse to wear a mask. Do it for the countless amount of strangers you come into contact with in public spaces.)