In July this year, we came together with our community at the Victorian Pride Centre and online, to celebrate LGBTIQA+ Disability Pride and to provide an opportunity for our communities to get to know some of the people behind IRV. The event was MC’d by board member Cameron Bloomfield, with opening remarks by Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, Joe Ball. There was a panel discusison with current board member William Ward-Boas, former co-chair Jax brown, and our CEO, Katherine Marshall. It was a wonderful day of discussion and connection, and we received some lovely feedback from our communities.
When we asked what people liked most about the event, we received the following feedback (and more!):
“Being in a space that honoured so many aspects of my identity!”
“Everything! MC, panel, Q&A! I love hearing from fellow disabled queer folks, it warms my heart so much! I feel seen and hope everyone who participated did too <3”
“I loved the speakers – and the quality of discussion and that I could join online”
“I think the panelist speaking had a heap of valuable things to say regarding about the current climate of support people with disabilities who are a part of the lgbtqia + community.”
“The pride, strength and honesty of the panel and the privilege of hearing their stories”
“Beautiful, thoughtful, smart and personal sharing from the panel members”
“It was great to get a sense of how the community is currently doing.”
“I just found it refreshing listening to the lived/living experience of other queer people with disability.”
“The speakers were incredible!”
“That it was available online, so I didn’t have to miss out completely.”
When we asked for how the event could be improved, the most common answer was that people wanted more time or more events like this one. We also received a couple of comments that people would like us to host different types of events, such as more advocacy-focussed events. This will help us to plan future events.
We would like to thank everyone who came along to celebrate with us! We loved meeting so many of you, both in person and online.
We thank Commissioner Joe Ball and his offiice for funding the event, and the Victorian Pride Centre for providing the space for us.
Please enjoy the photos below!
