Celebrating Disability Pride Month doesn’t necessarily mean I’m proud of having disabilities. This month, for disabled people, is more about celebrating our whole selves, including our disability. While we’re at it, we’re also advocating for a more inclusive world.
Here’s a breakdown of what Disability Pride can mean:
- Self-Acceptance: Embracing yourself and your unique perspectives and experiences as a person with a disability
- Community: Being part of the vibrant and diverse disability community – there’s a strong sense of belonging and shared experiences among people with disabilities
- Challenging Stigma: Fighting against negative stereotypes and barriers in society that people with disabilities face
- Celebrating Strengths: Recognizing the resilience, creativity, and determination that often comes with navigating challenges related to disability
- Disability as Diversity: Highlighting disability as a natural part of human diversity, just like race, gender, or sexual orientation
With that in mind, we can celebrate Disability Pride Month and advocate for equal rights, even if you wouldn’t say you’re “proud” of your disability. It’s more about celebrating your identity and working towards a world where disabilities are not viewed as limitations, but as simply a part of who we are.
It’s a journey, not a destination. If you are disabled, your feelings about your disability may evolve over time. There’s no pressure to feel a certain way.