Disabled people are a huge part of the queer community, yet many queer events remain inaccessible, and many disabled queer people still feel excluded. We're changing that with a fantastic pride event bringing together the disabled and queer communities and celebrating the brilliant people who are members of both!
With a panel talk full of wonderful disabled, queer experts, thinkers & artists, as well as a cute social to connect at afterwards, we'll explore the joys of queer disabled life while also highlighting some of the issues we face.
This really is pride for everybody - and every body.
Line up:
Lucy Webster (she/her), activist, journalist & author
Alex Vasquez (he/they), content creator and activist
Tobi Green-Adenowo (she/her), founder of the Disabled Power Network
Ellen Jones (she/her), Writer, speaker, strategist for ND & LGBTQ+ advocacy
Becky Dann (she/her), queer disability advocate and is part of queer collective Friends of the Joiners Arms
Full bios below
The event is being hosted by Kim Malone Crossley, queer events organiser and founder of the Fruit Salad Events Collective, and Lucy Webster, journalist, disability activist and author of The View From Down Here.
Anyone who is disabled and/or queer is welcome, as are allies with the connection to either community!
Access:
- The venue is step free with two accessible toilets
- The panel will be live-streamed for anyone who cannot attend in person
- Free PA tickets available
- No flashing or moving lights
- BSL Interpreter
- Quieter room available
Further access info to come re parking & hearing loop, we just wanted to get this up asap!
Lucy (she/her) is a journalist, disability advocate and author. Her work focuses on demystifying disability and challenging ableist assumptions, and has appeared in major outlets like the Guardian, the FT and the Times. As an advocate, she speaks on a broad range of disability issues, aiming to highlight how disability intersects with other marginalisations. Her book, The View From Down Here, is a memoir of life lived at the intersection of ableism and sexism, and is out now!
Alex Vasquez (he/they) is a queer disabled content creator who runs their online blog on TikTok and Instagram, https://www.tiktok.com/@thewheelsblog, where they talk about human rights intersectionality, especially on topics of disabilities and sexualities. Alex moved to the UK from Costa Rica to further their education with a Masters in Digital Cultures at King's College London and later on working as a digital journalist for the BBC World Services. Today, they continue working on digital content for young audiences through their online content as well as digital engagement for the Human Rights organisation, Amnesty International.
An advocate for all, she is a disabled bisexual care experienced person, who’s also a proud Muslim and a phenomenal creative in the arts, performed in the Imperial War Museum, she change the national curriculum for GCSE dance her story is in the British Library and Museum for the next 30 years, she was the first disabled black woman to collaborate with MTV UK, is working on a solution based business called Disabled Power Network which highlights intersectionality.
Ellen has spent the best part of a decade consulting with and training organisations on how to improve their inclusion and diversity, with a particular focus on neurodiversity, disability, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. She’s delivered talks and training for the world’s foremost businesses, including Google, M&C Saatchi, Adobe, Universal Music, Soho House, Kelloggs, and many more. Ellen has also led several inclusive marketing programmes for leading global brands and consulted on their creative work as it pertains to including different communities.
Ellen’s first book, Outrage: Why the Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality Is Not Won, and What You Can Do About It, will be published by Bluebird Pan Macmillan in early 2025. It explores the practical actions people can take to support the LGBTQ+ community.
Becky (she/her) is a queer disability advocate and is part of queer collective Friends of the Joiners Arms. She has supported the implementation of intergrated accessibility at their Drag King and Thing caberat night “Lèse Majesté”. Alongside FOJA Becky is supporting them to find and open London’s first accessible community run queer venue.