Everyone’s identity is made up of many parts. A person can be LGBTQ+, have a disability, and more. The parts of who we are shape our experiences. They also shape how others treat us. Watch this video clip. Paz talks about gender, IDD, and their identity.
Check out the full video on our Seen & Heard: IDD Community YouTube Channel.
What Is Intersectionality?
People who belong to some groups are not treated fairly. This is called discrimination. Some people belong to more than one of these groups. This is called intersectionality. For example, LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination. So do people with disabilities. If someone belongs to both LGBTQ+ and disability groups, they often face more discrimination. So being an LGBTQ+ person with a disability can be very hard. The person faces challenges in both groups. People may treat them even more unfairly. Pauline Bosma is a self-advocate. She is also a trans woman. She has lived this experience. We talked to her about it.
Feeling Invisible in the LGBTQ+ Community
Pauline has not always felt welcome in the larger LGBTQ+ community. She says that trans people with disabilities are often ignored. She shares about a time she was invited to speak at an event for families of LGBTQ+ people. Pauline said, “It was like I wasn’t even there.” They did not pay attention to what she was saying. They did not interact with her. It was frustrating and hurtful. Even though things are improving, there is still a long way to go.
Finding Support in the LGBTQ+ and Disability Community
Pauline feels more welcomed in the disability community. “Agencies reach out to me. They want to learn from me.” She shared that she was at a service provider meeting. One staff member told others that they had an expert in Pauline. They should use her knowledge to improve their work. Pauline recently had another special moment. Mass Advocates Standing Strong, an advocacy group, named an award after her. This showed that both parts of her identity were valued.
Stronger Together
Pauline believes that different groups should support each other. They should not fight separately. They should not fight against each other. When people work together, they can make a difference. We are stronger together.
Want to Learn More?
- Watch the Gender Identity playlist on our YouTube channel.
- Read about Transgender Day of Visibility on our blog.
- Build your self-advocacy skills with our free courses.
- Check out the Rainbow Support Group Guidebook. Pauline created this! It’s a great way to build safe spaces.
When people come together, they create stronger communities. Let’s stand up for each other. We can build a more inclusive world.