As municipalities in the Lower Mainland light up with colour, joy, and celebration for Pride Week, it’s a time to reflect on how we can make space for every identity in our communities, especially those that are often overlooked. One powerful and usually underrepresented intersection is that of LGBTQ2S+ people who also live with disabilities.
Pride is a celebration of identity, resilience, and visibility. But for LGBTQ2S+ people with disabilities, the barriers to participating — both physical and social — can be significant. Many Pride events still lack accessible spaces, communication supports like ASL interpretation, or quiet areas for those with sensory sensitivities. But access is about more than ramps and signage — it’s about being seen and valued.
The term intersectionality, coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, helps us understand how overlapping identities can create unique experiences of marginalization. For example, a queer, non-binary person with a disability might face barriers in healthcare that are different from those faced by a straight disabled person or a non-disabled queer person. They may struggle to find inclusive sexual health education, accessible gender-affirming care, or even basic visibility in community spaces.
We must recognize these intersections not as exceptions, but as part of the rich fabric of our communities. Disability is not separate from queerness, and queerness is not separate from disability. Both identities influence how someone moves through the world, how they are treated, and what supports they need.
This Pride Week, let’s remember that inclusion isn’t optional — it’s essential. Pride began as a protest led by those on the margins, including disabled and neurodivergent folks, Black and Brown trans women, and people whose lives didn’t fit neatly into society’s boxes. Honouring that history means continuing the work of making space for all identities today.
