Accessible Pride — In My Size

Yesterday was the Pride festival in Philadelphia, where I live. I went once and participated in the parade, but I couldn’t stay for the festival because by the time I walked all the way to Penn’s landing I was exhausted and in more pain than I thought possible.

At the time I wasn’t using an assistive device. I do now, but I still haven’t been back. My fear of not being able to access Pride and the parties and activities has kept me away. My mobility allows me to stand and walk for short periods of time, but not knowing if or when I’d be able to sit is a barrier

I miss having the opportunity to celebrate with my community and make the kinds of connections that Pride allows.

Annie Segarra, an artist and advocate, posted on her Facebook page a reminder that Pride is often not accessible. She lists just a few of the types of abelism that are unacceptable. “Pride is for all of us, not some of us.”

Diversity, at the core, is about who we include and who we welcome. Fat and disabled people have been excluded from Pride in big and small ways. That has to end.