The Trevor Project’s Post

How do we best support LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities? 🏳️🌈🦾 The article below explores the multifaceted lives of these children and teens, emphasizing the need to consider and address all aspects of their identities and experiences. 🌈✨ https://lnkd.in/gnJEEF9Q

As we commemorate Developmental Disability Awareness Month in March, we are reminded of how much work remains to end the stigma and misinformation surrounding LGBTQ+ young people who have a disability (or more). According to a study by the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who were diagnosed with autism had over 50% greater odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who had never been diagnosed with autism. Autistic LGBTQ adults also report higher levels of barriers to healthcare, unmet healthcare needs, self-reported mental illness, and are more likely to be refused services by a medical provider than their allistic (non-autistic) peers. Allyship to LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities can start as simply as having an authentic conversation and learning about who a person is and what their needs are. Everyone deserves access to proper support and resources. Read our blog to learn more about how you can show support for LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/eTzCAzMw

This is a very thoughtful article about another facet of DEI: people with disabilities. Anti-DEI initiatives are, on the face of it, already highly contemptuous of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. I never thought of these initiatives as hostile to people with disabilities, but they are as well, I think. If anti-DEI initiatives ban talking directly about race, gender or sexuality makes people feel uncomfortable, might the same be said about discussion of people with disabilities? Yet another reason to support DEI in education. Everyone matters.

This Disability Pride Month, we’re celebrating the diverse identities and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities 🌈 As June leads into July, we are reminded that there is no Pride without recognition of all bodies and all minds. We all show up in different ways — it’s critical our Pride is accessible and intersectional. Yet, we know that not all spaces are accessible or queer-affirming, which adds unnecessary burdens to LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities. Too often, folks with disabilities (both ‘visible’ and ‘invisible’!) experience erasure at the hands of assumptions and stigma. That’s where our research and advocacy comes in. Our 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People offers key insights and underscores the importance of accessibility, affirmation, inclusivity, and health equity. Here’s what we know: (CW: discussion of mental health, suicide) ➡️ 29% of LGBTQ+ young people identified as having a disability, which highlights the intersection of identities within our community 🧡 Of that 29%... ➡️ 60% reported experiencing recent depression ➡️75% experienced recent anxiety ➡️48% seriously considered suicide in the past year, with 19% having attempted it ➡️65% felt discriminated against due to their disability, leading to higher rates of mental health struggles and suicidality Knowing the numbers, we see a hopeful path forward. Our survey also revealed that nearly ⅔ of LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities felt understood by their therapist, which was associated with significantly lower rates of suicide attempts. It’s more important than ever that we increase inclusion and equity in all aspects of healthcare. This Disability Pride Month, we affirm and uplift our community around the world, whoever you are and however you show up. 🧡 #DisabilityPrideMonth #LGBTQ #Intersectionality #TheTrevorProject

As we talk about LGBTQ+ Youth advocacy, it's important that we remember the interactions between disability and other identity factors that can further harm students if unaddressed. Things like social exclusion and vulnerability from victimization are significant issues that align closely with similar groups with substantial crossover. If we want to support the wellbeing of these kids we need to start with basic protections within school administrations and dispelling common misinformation about these critical issues. #LGBTQYouth #LGBTQAdvocacy #DisabilityAdvocacy

🌈 June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month 🌈 ♿️ July: Disability Pride Month ♿️ As we celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June and Disability Pride Month in July, it's crucial to recognise both of these marginalised communities. These months remind us of the ongoing struggles and the incredible resilience of those who identify as LGBTQ+ and those with disabilities. But beyond individual recognition, it's vital to acknowledge the intersecting identities within these communities. Many individuals live at the intersection of multiple marginalities, facing compounded challenges due to their unique experiences. For example, LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities often encounter additional barriers in accessing inclusive healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. *Why Intersectionality Matters in Education* Within my EdD doctoral work, I emphasise the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding and supporting learners. The holistic diverse model of disability recognises that individuals' experiences are shaped by a multitude of factors, including sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and socio-economic background. By adopting this model, we can create more inclusive and supportive educational environments for all students. - Understanding intersectionality helps us create support systems that address the unique needs of those with overlapping marginalized identities. It's not just about recognizing one aspect of their identity but understanding how multiple aspects interact and influence their daily lives. - Policies that consider intersectionality are more likely to be effective and inclusive. For instance, educational policies should be designed to support students who might face discrimination based on both their sexual orientation and their disability. - Celebrating intersectionality ensures that the voices of those with multiple marginalized identities are heard and valued. This is essential for fostering an environment of true inclusion and equity. *Action Steps for Allyship* - Take the time to learn about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities. Resources and training on intersectionality can provide valuable insights. - Create environments where individuals feel safe to express their full identities without fear of discrimination or prejudice. This includes physical spaces, digital platforms, and social interactions. In education, adopting a holistic and diverse model of disability means understanding learners' full experiences and providing tailored support. This approach ensures that all students, especially those from intersecting communities, have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. As we move from June to July, let's commit to celebrating and uplifting all individuals, particularly those at the intersections of marginalised communities. #PrideMonth #DisabilityPrideMonth #Intersectionality #Inclusion #Diversity #LGBTQ #DisabilityRights #Equity #Allyship #HolisticEducation

DO YOU WANT INCLUSION LIKE I WANT INCLUSION? Inclusion is important to me - 50% of my work is dedicated towards helping to make society a better, more inclusive place for those with disabilities. I like to think that we are becoming more inclusive as a country, but then reality hits and I fear that we still have a long way to go - and I’m not just talking about disability, but inclusion as a whole. When will people just see someone as a ‘person’ instead of being blindsided by ability/disability, sexuality or race? For me it’s ‘Team Human’ all the way! Whether I am educating on disability inclusion or motivating my audience to turn no into go, I want each and every one of my audience to be the best ‘human’ that they can be. I’m offering you the chance to receive more motivation and more disability inclusion tips… directly to your inbox. ‘Inclusion’ is my monthly newsletter and features: - Lets Get Motivated - Don’t ‘Dis’ Ability - And… See me in Action DON’T MISS OUT: To make sure you get your FREE monthly dose of motivation and inclusion - click on the sign-up link in the comments box. Do *YOU* want Inclusion like I want inclusion? #motivationalspeaker #motivation #mindset #disabilityinclusion

As we celebrate Pride Month at the Rick Hansen Foundation, we revisit a story we published in 2022 that provides valuable tips on how to become a stronger ally to individuals who navigate the intersectionality of 2SLGBTQ+ identities and disabilities.   https://lnkd.in/g3mQEMP4

Here’s what I’ve learned living at the intersection of disability, LGBTQ+, midlife and all that entails: Some people don’t even realise that Intersectionality exists. Not the word, the actual thing itself, the concept. I, myself have only fairly recently learnt of the word but having lived within – or should I say struggled with existing in, a space that some don’t acknowledge or know exists, had left me feeling confused, untethered. It’s only now, as I educate myself and ground myself in my community that untethered is being replaced with belonging. We are all things at once but sometimes one identity will come to lead from the front, the others standing behind in support. From the outside, it may look like we are only presenting one identity, but in my experience, that’s the voice that, at that time, needs to shout the loudest. It isn’t that the others have gone, but they are taking a supporting role in that moment. Right now, the torch has been passed in my own life, from disability to queerness. Standing right behind is disability, with midlife holding up the back. And that feels right for me. At this moment, I like the flexibility for these identities to move and shift, sometimes one taking centre stage; at other times standing strong together, side-by-side. That’s what enables me to cope with what life throws at me. I’ve talked before about intersections being like crossroads in a town, a place where we live, and similarly, they don’t have to be permanent. I’ve learned that what might feel right today might not feel right tomorrow. As we age and change it’s natural for things to evolve, removing judgment from where we exist in our space feels key to being happy and accepting ourselves. If we approach this with a sense of curiosity and kindness, there is no place for criticism, only love. Shoutout to anyone feeling the weight of living with the complexities or nuances of any of this. Sometimes life feels a little heavier and all we can do is breathe and ride out the wave of overwhelm because it WILL pass. Hang in there, I see you. 👀 Image Description: Warning. Excessive sunshine vibes and unabashed confidence may cause side effects of joy and spontaneous dance parties. I'm wearing a bright yellow hoodie with the white and rainbow bubble letters, 'Walt Disney World'. My skin glows more than this hoodie, and that's saying something. The pen I'm holding against my shoulder? Not just scribbling, it's high-fiving my future. I'm rewriting the narrative, embracing the fluidity of self. Orange sweatpants? Just the fruity filling in this dopamine-fueled confidence sundae. I'm sitting in my power chair with a trusty notebook in my lap and my desk behind me. But most importantly? I'm grinning like the Mona Lisa finally got the joke. 2024, we're ready! #Intersectionality #Disability #LGBTQ+ #Midlife #Identity

Disability Inclusion 101: People with disabilities are humans. Let's avoid dehumanizing language. Please add to the conversation in the comments. We can learn from each other. I created this post to spark a conversation on disability-inclusive language. My favorite of all languages is DANCE by the way. Check out this video from my dance company Infinite Flow Dance: https://lnkd.in/gq8qznUm Sign up for my newsletter "Disability Inclusion for Conscious Leaders": https://lnkd.in/gQqCuhxH — About me: I am a transformational speaker and performing artist who designs unforgettable experiences that cultivate #Inclusion and #Belonging, with a specialty in #DisabilityInclusion. Check out my Speaker & Performer Reel: https://lnkd.in/gVZvzAY Contact: Hello@MarisaHamamoto.com – #LinkedInTopVoice #TopVoice #Autism #Neurodiversity #Disability #A11y #StrokeSurvivor #Diversity #Inclusion #InclusiveLanguage PDF Description: [Slide 1] Text reads, disability language guide, Don't use dehumanizing language. @MarisaHamamoto Image of Marisa, Japanese American woman with black hair tied up in a bun wearing overalls [Slide 2] Text reads, don't use visually impaired. Instead use blind, low vision. [Slide 3] Text reads, Don't Use: Hearing Impaired. Instead Use: Deaf, Hard of Hearing. [Slide 4] Text reads, Don't Use: Wheelchair-Bound Confined to a Wheelchair. Instead Use: Wheelchair User. [Slide 5] Text reads, Don't Use: Crippled, Invalid, Handicapped. Instead Use: Disabled, Has a Disability. [Slide 6] Text reads, Don't Use: Mute. Instead Use: Non-Speaking [Slide 7] Text reads, Don't Use: Retarded, Dumb. Instead Use: Has an Intellectual Disability. [Slide 8] Text reads, Thoughts? If you are a person with a disability, what other words should we avoid? What are some alternatives not mentioned here. Please share in the comments. This post is meant to spark a conversation on disability inclusive language. I‘m still learning too. And… [Slide 9] Image of two dancers, one using a wheelchair stretched apart from each other. LinkedIn Top Voice, People Magazine Women Changing the World. Text reads, A bit about me: I am a transformational speaker and performing artist who designs unforgettable experiences that cultivate inclusion and belonging, with a specialty in disability inclusion. I am the founder of Infinite Flow, an award-winning dance company that employs disabled and nondisabled dancers. I am a stroke survivor and late-diagnosed Autistic. Check out my Speaker & Performer reel linked in the caption.