Honoring Trailblazers During Pride Month
In honor of Pride Month, we’re highlighting four trailblazers who live at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and disability advocacy leaders whose work inspires inclusion, equity, and meaningful change across our communities. Their work affirms that the path towards justice is intersectional, and their advocacy helps us grow stronger, more informed, and more united. We’re proud to learn from them, uplift their voices, and continue building systems of care rooted in belonging and empowerment.
An American writer, actor, and activist, Ryan O’Connell is known for his Netflix series “Special,” which is based on his life as a gay man with cerebral palsy. He uses his platform to advocate for authentic representation of LGBTQIA+ and disabled individuals in media. Encourage your members and families to watch his special here: Watch Special | Netflix Official Site
An autistic and non-binary transgender attorney, Shain Neumeier is known for their advocacy against coercive and forced treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. They have been active in campaigns to close institutions, like the Judge Rotenberg Center, and promote the rights of disabled and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Also known as Annie Elainey, Annie is a queer, Latinx, and disabled YouTuber, social media influencer, and activist. They advocate for accessibility, body positivity and representation of marginalized communities, focusing on the intersections of LGBTQIA+ and disability rights. Follow Annie on IG @annieelainey here: Annie Segarra (@annieelainey) • Instagram photos and videos
Aariana Rose Philip is a Black, Antiguan-American transgender woman and model who has broken barriers in the fashion industry as the first Black, transgender, and physically disabled model to be represented by a major modeling agency. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Aariana has used her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation of marginalized communities in fashion and media. Learn all about Aariana as she discusses the systemic challenges faced by disabled individuals in the fashion industry in her TEDx talk here: Trinity Rodman & Her Brother, DJ Rodman | adidas