An Ally’s Call To Action: The LGBTQ+ Elders with (Dis)abilities Demands Collective Liberation

In a world that often dismisses and marginalizes those who defy the narrow confines of “white, cis, straight, male, able-bodied” norms, the LGBTQ+ community living with disabilities faces an arduous uphill journey toward recognition, meaningful support, and equitable access to quality care. The statistics are sobering: a staggering 36% of LGBTQ+ adults self-reported having a disability, a significantly higher percentage compared to 24% of their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. Yet, this richly diverse community – a kaleidoscope of identities, experiences, and resilience – frequently finds itself lacking reliable support systems to navigate the compounding challenges they encounter.

Terri Wilder, a tireless HIV/Aging Policy Advocate with Sage Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders, bears witness to these harsh realities. “If one thing goes wrong in terms of my income, if they go up on my rent, even a couple of dollars, I’m that close to being homeless because I’m so sick I can’t work,” she shares, recounting the precarious situation of a trans man she knows in Minneapolis. Diagnosed with the debilitating Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), he relies heavily on a fragile patchwork of public assistance programs – a lifeline that could unravel at any moment, leaving him on the brink of homelessness.

In the Upper Midwest region, the obstacles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities are further exacerbated by a confluence of factors, including geographic isolation, limited access to specialized healthcare facilities, and the insidious undercurrent of ongoing discrimination. “You’ve got the intersection of kind of potential homophobia, transphobia, biphobia that can happen naturally in healthcare systems,” Wilder elucidates. “And then it intersects with maybe a disease that people don’t believe is real.”

Amidst this landscape of marginalization and adversity, a powerful framework emerges: “disability justice” – a conceptual bedrock forged by Black and Brown queer visionaries. As Wilder articulates, this paradigm shift offers a transformative lens through which to comprehend and confront the intricate web of intersectional issues. “Collective liberation means nobody or mind can be left behind. That only moving together can we accomplish the revolution that we require.”

At the core of disability justice resides the principle of “collective access,” an ethos that amplifies the insights and participation of every community member, irrespective of their diverse disabilities and multifaceted identities. “Let’s not put each other against each other. Let’s work together so we can move forward together so that we’re all free,” Wilder urges, her words a rallying cry for unity and solidarity.

On the frontlines of this arduous battle, organizations like SAGE, where Wilder tirelessly advocates, are championing pioneering policies designed to safeguard the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals and those living with HIV in long-term care settings. “We just passed one in New York. And in Minnesota, where I live, we’re working to pass one in the state of Minnesota,” Wilder reveals, referring to the LGBTQ+ and HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights – a landmark initiative aimed at shielding these vulnerable communities from the pernicious specter of discrimination within care facilities. Moreover, these groundbreaking measures mandate comprehensive training for staff, equipping them with the cultural humility and competence requisite to provide compassionate, affirming care.

Yet, the road ahead is arduous, and the stakes are high. As the disabled community continues its unrelenting crusade for recognition, respect, and equitable access to quality care, Wilder’s impassioned words reverberate as a resounding clarion call: “We have to support each other. Like I can have ME/CFS and fight for the rights of people with long COVID. I can have ME/CFS and fight for the rights of people with HIV or autism, because this is about collective liberation.”

In this era of unprecedented challenges and heightened visibility, the LGBTQ+ community with disabilities stands united, their resilience fortified by a shared understanding that true progress can only be achieved through an unwavering commitment to intersectional advocacy and an uncompromising pursuit of justice for all. As they navigate the complexities of their lived experiences, these trailblazers embody the essence of “disability justice” – a radical re-envisioning of a world where every voice is amplified, every identity is celebrated, and every human being is granted the fundamental right to thrive.

For these fierce advocates, the path toward collective liberation is not a solitary journey but a symphony of diverse narratives, interwoven by the threads of empathy, solidarity, and an indomitable spirit that refuses to be silenced or subjugated. In this crucible of struggle, they forge ahead, their voices echoing through the hallways of power and the corridors of society, demanding a world where dignity, equity, and justice are not mere ideals but tangible realities – a world where the mantra “nothing about us without us” is not just a slogan but a resolute call to action.

Their clarion calls reverberate across intersections, amplifying the stories that have been muffled, the perspectives that have been marginalized. With every stride, they dismantle the archaic notions that have pigeonholed their existence, shattering the confines of narrow stereotypes and asserting their multidimensional humanity. In this symphony, each voice carries its unique timbre, weaving a rich tapestry that celebrates the diversity within their ranks – a resounding rebuke to the monolithic narratives that have long obscured their truths.

Yet, their quest transcends mere representation; it is a fervent pursuit of substantive change, a relentless campaign to dismantle the systemic barriers that have obstructed their paths to self-determination and fulfillment. Through their collective resilience, they forge new paradigms, crafting blueprints for inclusive communities where every individual can access the care, support, and affirmation they deserve, free from the shackles of discrimination and marginalization.