Londoners gathered in Hoxton to celebrate disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.
A London-based charity, ParaPride, put on a showcase of performances, a panel discussion and networking opportunities, to make LGBTQ+ History Month more inclusive.
“We are empowered”
Daniele Lul founded ParaPride to promote the inclusion of disabled people within the LGBTQ+ community, whilst also providing education and opportunities for socialising.
Following a double-leg amputation in 2016, Lul was concerned that disabled people in the LGBTQ+ community were often “misrepresented” as vulnerable.
“It’s very important to give visibility to the marginalised community within the LGBTQ+ space. Disabled people are often seen as vulnerable and in need of special care. But we are empowered, and we’re here today to show that.”
Being disabled and LGBTQ+
ParaPride’s day at Hoxton Hall showcased comedy, dance and poetry readings from disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community. This was followed by a panel discussion focusing on the experience of being disabled and LGBTQ+.
Alex Vasquez, an activist from Costa Rica who now lives in London, said: “I’m so happy there is a space in London for people like me”.
“I want people to understand what it’s like to be queer and disabled. We face the same problems as everyone else, and people need to know that”.
Audiences enjoyed poets, comedians and performers.
LGBTQ+ History Month royalty
The event was attended by Sue Sanders, founder of LGBTQ+ History Month and veteran LGBTQ+ rights activist. She said that ParaPride’s work is essential to furthering the goals of the History Month.
“The importance of ParaPride is crucial to challenge the concept that people are disabled because of their disability – what disables them is other people’s attitides towards them.
“We need to recognise our own diversity [within the community] and celebrate it”.
LBGTQ+ History Month 2024 runs until the end of February.
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HeadlineDisability rights activists celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month
Short HeadlineLondon celebrates disabled LGBTQ+ community
StandfirstParaPride is working to make London more inclusive for disabled LGBTQ+ members.
Londoners gathered in Hoxton to celebrate disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.
A London-based charity, ParaPride, put on a showcase of performances, a panel discussion and networking opportunities, to make LGBTQ+ History Month more inclusive.
“We are empowered”
Daniele Lul founded ParaPride to promote the inclusion of disabled people within the LGBTQ+ community, whilst also providing education and opportunities for socialising.
Following a double-leg amputation in 2016, Lul was concerned that disabled people in the LGBTQ+ community were often “misrepresented” as vulnerable.
“It’s very important to give visibility to the marginalised community within the LGBTQ+ space. Disabled people are often seen as vulnerable and in need of special care. But we are empowered, and we’re here today to show that.”
Being disabled and LGBTQ+
ParaPride’s day at Hoxton Hall showcased comedy, dance and poetry readings from disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community. This was followed by a panel discussion focusing on the experience of being disabled and LGBTQ+.
Alex Vasquez, an activist from Costa Rica who now lives in London, said: “I’m so happy there is a space in London for people like me”.
“I want people to understand what it’s like to be queer and disabled. We face the same problems as everyone else, and people need to know that”.
Audiences enjoyed poets, comedians and performers.
LGBTQ+ History Month royalty
The event was attended by Sue Sanders, founder of LGBTQ+ History Month and veteran LGBTQ+ rights activist. She said that ParaPride’s work is essential to furthering the goals of the History Month.
“The importance of ParaPride is crucial to challenge the concept that people are disabled because of their disability – what disables them is other people’s attitides towards them.
“We need to recognise our own diversity [within the community] and celebrate it”.
LBGTQ+ History Month 2024 runs until the end of February.
