Embracing the Intersections of Disability and LGBTQIA+ Communities!!

After Pride month we now enter the vibrant month of July, which is Disability Pride Month, it's an opportune time to reflect on the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in its entirety. During my experiences working with organizations focused on employment for people with disabilities and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, I've noticed a concerning trend. While these organizations conduct awareness sessions, there appears to be a significant knowledge gap when it comes to understanding and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Even the founders and senior leaders seem unaware of each other's struggles and experiences.

In our quest for a more equitable world, we need to understand the concept of intersectionality. It's essential to grasp that individuals can have multiple identities and face distinct challenges as a result. For instance, a person with a disability can also identify as queer. This understanding of intersectionality is vital to truly support individuals and communities who belong to multiple marginalized groups.

Discover these essential steps for building inclusivity in your organization:

1) Learn, use, and respect pronouns:

In our journey towards inclusivity, it is important to learn, use, and respect pronouns. Understanding the significance of pronouns and using them correctly demonstrates respect for people's gender identities. Taking the time to educate ourselves and embracing pronouns like he/him, she/her, they/them, and others helps create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and affirmed.

2) Learn about different disability types:

Diversity within the disability community is vast, with each individual facing unique challenges. It is crucial to take the initiative to learn about different disability types, their specific needs, and the barriers they may encounter. Expanding our knowledge fosters empathy and understanding, creating an inclusive space where everyone's abilities are valued.

3) Educate your team about intersectionality:

Intersectionality is a powerful concept that recognizes the interconnected nature of identities and experiences. It is important to educate our teams about intersectionality and its significance. Understanding how someone's race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation intersect helps us better support and uplift individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. Embracing intersectionality builds a truly inclusive environment where everyone's lived experiences are valued.

4) Organizations should have a dialogue with each other:

Meaningful progress in diversity and inclusion is more likely when organizations engage in open dialogues with each other. Fostering collaboration and sharing insights, experiences, and best practices creates a stronger collective impact towards creating a more inclusive society.

5) Foster a culture of continuous learning:

Inclusion is an ongoing journey that requires a commitment to continuous learning. Fostering a culture within our teams and organizations that values continuous education on diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality is essential. Encouraging attendance at workshops, inviting guest speakers, and providing training opportunities ensures that we stay informed and equipped to make a real difference.

Celebrate uniqueness, foster respect, and create equal opportunities. Together, we shape a world where diversity thrives.