Speedy-ing From Ableism ("QE" 3)

Warnings: spoilers for the Queer Eye episode “Speedy For Life” ; mention of suicidal thoughts; multiple examples of wheelchair users’ personal space being invaded

In honor of Queer Eye season 8 (Bobby’s last season) having come out recently and not having a single wheelchair user hero, here is an article on season 7 episode 3 of Queer Eye entitled “Speedy For Life”.

First, let’s talk about the positives of the episode.

There are a few things about this episode that I like:

A huge thing for me is this episode is not as ableist as previous episodes. In my opinion, “Disabled But Not Really” and “Snow White of Central Texas” were incredibly awful.

There are actually more redeeming qualities in this episode.

I also have some specifics about this episode that I like:

• At some point in this episode, Karamo takes Speedy to a basketball court and they (plus Antoni and Wesley - the hero in “Disabled But Not Really”) play basketball. I like this because wheelchair users playing basketball, especially with able-bodied people, is rarely shown. And here people are playing out in the open unashamedly.
  

• Tan and Speedy talk about people staring and making unsolicited comments/asking rude or invasive questions. I think this is incredibly important because (1) I don’t see a lot of people who aren’t wheelchair users or who don’t experience it in the same way talk about or acknowledge it and (2) Tan and Speedy talk about how that staring and those comments can make him want to stay home more often - I think this is important because it shows how people being rude, invasive, and all around ableist can negatively affect a disabled person.
  

• Also during Speedy’s time with Tan: when Speedy was getting dressed Tan didn’t ask him if he needed help. This matters to me for two reasons: (1) During Wesley’s episode Tan asked him if he needed help when he said he was putting pants on. (2) In eight seasons Tan has asked two people if they need help - one of those people actually being able-bodied. This is nice to me and was a relief when watching the episode because I know how people on this show and SO MANY other people infantilize and treat wheelchair users.
  

• Antoni acknowledges some things able-bodied and nondisabled people, like him, take for granted are things that Speedy has to seriously think about and consider. I think it’s incredibly important for able-bodied and nondisabled people to address the privileges they have .
  

• Near the end of the episode when Bobby is showing Speedy his new apartment we get to see things for accessibility Bobby included. Bobby set it up so Speedy can ask Alexa to close or open the shades and turn on or off lights. I find this really cool. Not having to struggle to reach for or over things is amazing - it really saves so much time and energy.
  

Even with all the positives, there are many things I don’t like about this episode.

• THE LACK OF TRIGGER WARNINGS! - People lifting Speedly and Wesley (the wheelchair users) up the stairs and Speedy out of the car can be incredibly triggering. I’m glad these things were consensual, but, personally, people have touched and moved my wheelchair (while I’m in it) without my consent a lot over the years. It, thankfully, hasn’t happened in some time, but, to this day, I can see it happening. I can feel and hear men breathing in my face. I can see people standing around and watching me being carried off or on something. Then, at some point Speedy mentions thoughts of wanting to off himself after the accident that caused his paralysis. As a wheelchair user who experiences suicidal thoughts - and has been told many times to kill myself - it is really triggering to hear that without any warning. Just be mindful of other people and put trigger warnings at the beginning of the episode.
  

• Oblivious talk of accessibility - Bobby talks to Speedy about moving into his own place that’s more accessible. It needs to be addressed and talked about that finding accessible places of residence - houses or apartments - is incredibly difficult and more expensive than finding a place not labeled as “accessible”. It can be incredibly difficult and that shouldn’t be ignored. Then, later in the episode (during Bobby’s interview/Bobby talking directly to the camera between scenes with Speed), Bobby says he wants to “show Speedy that he can find a home that is accessible and allows him to live a fully independent life.” (1) The hosts of Queer Eye never focus on or even mention a hero “living independently” when that hero is able-bodied and/or nondisabled; (2) What do you [Bobby] mean by “a fully independent life”? Honestly. Do you mean not live at home anymore or not rely on anyone anymore? Because EVERYONE needs help and support from other human beings at least sometimes - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
  

• Hypotheticals - While Speedy and Tan are talking before Speedy’s time with everyone officially starts, Speedy talks about how his style has evolved since his accident and he became a wheelchair user. Tan asks Speedy two questions of which I don’t personally understand the importance: (1) Describe what you were wearing before the accident…and now. I don’t understand this because shouldn’t it just matter what his style is now - after the accident and as a wheelchair user? And (2) “If you weren’t in a wheelchair, would fashion be so important to you?” What does that matter - honestly? Speedy is in a wheelchair so what’s the point of the hypothetical? Shouldn’t you [Tan] meet Speedy where he is - isn't it your job to help him find clothes he likes and feels good in, not what he would wear if he “weren’t in a wheelchair”?
  

• Lack of personal space - Antoni was teaching Speedy how to make something at a Japanese restaurant. They each had cutting boards on opposite corners of a counter. Antoni told Speedy he would teach him “how to peel and chop ginger and garlic” - he does this right on Speedy’s station. This doesn’t make sense to me because (1) Antoni has never done this with any of the show’s able-bodied or nondisabled heroes and (2) there is a space to the right of Speedy where Antoni could’ve set up his station and peeled and chopped things and still show Speedy - if not to the right then at any of the empty tables behind them both. At first I thought it was because it would be easier to access where they’re cooking food but prepping the ingredients ends before the cooking starts so it would be totally possible for Antoni’s station to be next to Speedy.
  

• Blocking an accessible spot - Near the end of the episode (when Speedy sees his newly designed apartment), Antoni is shown getting Speedy’s wheelchair from the trunk of the car. In this shot a loading zone (a spot with diagonal lines disabled people can use to safely get out of a vehicle with more room) on the opposite side of the car people are standing and Bobby helps Speedy get out can be seen. It’s also shown they are all standing in another accessible spot. In an episode filled with want to help provide access the hosts, Speedy, and the camera people are taking access away from other people. Film those things standing in the loading zone - and if there isn’t enough room, DON’T DO THE SHOT. It is not okay to block people’s access and opportunity to be included.
  

• Speedy wasn’t involved in the “#QEHipTip” - Why have Karamo and Wesley instead of Speedy? Why include a non-wheelchair user and someone brought in to talk to Speedy but exclude Speedy (the hero of this episode)?
  

Overall, there are actually positives and negatives with this episode.

With that being said, there’s still a lot of ableism that needs to be addressed and remedied going forward.