How Accessible is Pride: 2021

June 16, 2021 | by Mira Vance

How Accessible is Pride: 2021

6/16/2021

By Mira Vance

*Spanish translation coming soon*

We are halfway through Pride month, a month typically associated with people marching through the streets, waving flags, cheering alongside friends and allies. Pride has generally been a time to gather, demonstrate, create, and come together to affirm and build identity and culture. Spaces are carved out for the queer community, but as a blog post on our website from 2018 notes, those spaces are often deeply inaccessible and do not leave room for disability. Disability has rarely been centered in mainstream movements for queer liberation. There is a narrative that one cannot be queer and disabled at the same time, but the truth of the matter is that over 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ Americans have a disability. How can we claim to be striving for liberation when over one third of the community is being left behind?

Denver PrideFest is kicking off in a little less than two weeks, and due to COVID-19 restrictions there are a number of virtual opportunities to participate. For some folks this may seem like a disappointing alternative to typical Pride festivities, but for many this is an opportunity to engage in Pride safely and comfortably without the stress and pressure of having to navigate crowds, physical barriers, social encounters, and all that comes along with a large gathering. The overwhelming sounds, smells, and situations of Pride can be better controlled through a screen, and thus those who may never have been able to participate in Pride previously now have access. Denver PrideFest’s schedule of events allows for both in-person and virtual celebrations giving participants a “chose your own adventure” type opportunity to engage. This gives people the agency to decide what they feel comfortable with and models greater accessibility than Pride celebrations of the past. This may only be a result of restrictions due to COVID-19, but this shift could be a wonderful opportunity for broader conversations on accessibility for Pride. Why should virtual Pride stop after this year? What else can be done to ensure that EVERYONE has the opportunity to participate in the future? These conversations are a necessary and important step in transforming Pride and to start making the much needed space for identities that have long been silenced and marginalized.

These changes will require centering people with disabilities, listening to their stories, experiences, and barriers that they face and thus validating their identities and their place within the LGBTQ+ movement. Pride cannot truly be Pride and liberation cannot be achieved until it is made accessible, safe, and affirming for all.Following is a list of events at this year’s Denver PrideFest:

In-Person Celebrations

Thursday, June 24 to Sunday June 27
The Triangle – Rising from the Ashes
Friday, June 25
Shabbat Dinner at JCC
Babes Around Denver Women’s Party
Saturday, June 26
Smartwool Present Denver Pride 5K (also offers virtual options to participate)
Pool Party at JCC hosted by Laura Menorah
Saturday, June 26 & Sunday, June 27
The Center on Colfax Pride Hub
JCC Pride Hub
Hamburger Mary’s Pride Hub
Denver Museum Nature & Science Pride Hub
Pride Brunch at Cattivella
Sunday, June 27
Sie Film Center Pride Hub
McGregor Square Pride Hub

Virtual Celebrations
All virtual events will premiere on the Denver Pride Facebook page and The Center on Colfax YouTube Channel unless otherwise noted. Stream all weekend beginning Friday, June 25 on the Denver7+ App

Coors Light Virtual Denver Pride Parade
Saturday, June 26
Virtual Center Stage – 1 PM
Virtual Dyke March – 2 PM
Sunday, June 27
ONE Colorado Rally – 12 PM
Nissan Presents – Nina West Live at The Triangle – 5 PM

See more events at denverpride.org.

The Initiative is dedicated to providing safe, confidential services for people who have experienced abuse, specializing in people with disabilities, and also recognizes that every client we support has multi-faceted, different, and beautiful identities. The Initiative strives to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ identified folks can find a safe and accommodating space in our organization. Our services are open to survivors of all genders, sexualities, and experiences and we work hard to meet our clients where they are and to understand the unique intersections of identities that can shape each person’s experiences. Beyond our client services, we also offer trainings on the intersections of disability and LGBTQ+ identities and how to increase accessibility for all. Check out our outreach services page for more information.