Navigating Tapestry’s of Intersectionality:

Disability Across the Identity Spectrum

In a quest to comprehend some varied rich and intricate tapestry’s of human experience I delve into the intersection of disability with considerations of gender, race and other identity dimensions, drawing insights from Interviews and short films featuring individuals who identify as disabled through their personal narratives and artistic expressions. Kimberlé Crenshaw crucially provides a theory of intersectionality, offering a framework for discerning how various facets of identity converge interact and intertwine, thus shaping individuals lives and lived realities in profound ways.

Disability and Gender: allow me to explore considerations of two unique challenges within intersecting identities “Friends and Strangers” by Christine Sun Kim provided moving and poignant insights into the incredibly isolating experience as a Deaf female artist and mother, eloquently articulating the complexities of straddling these multiple identities within work and family life when navigating the ‘hearing world’. In recognising that the mainstream community, (myself included) are predominately not equipped to communicate with sign language or brail. Advocating and providing the necessary communication, support and adjustments so that participation in further education is not only fully accessible and inclusive as a transition into the hearing world but is equally accepting and encouraging. As paramount Kim emphasizes the need for interpreters more widely, socioeconomic government support, childcare and acceptance in the workplace and mainstream societal recognition. Her call for captioning the sky in her art through signs underscores the importance of visibility and inclusion for marginalized deaf communities in all of our everyday lives.

Meanwhile, Chay Brown discusses ‘Intersectionality in Focus’ Empowering Voices during UK Disability History Month 2023, the complexities relating to their experience with disability, mental health, neurodivergence being trans within the LGBTQ+ community. Where invisible disabilities such as ‘non-neurotypical’, navigate challenges like non-direct communication; I can’t help but think about the linguistic, emotional and phycological barriers where constructed, poetic or abstract language within discussions of aesthetic and phonetic pleasure can take place within Fine Art Studio practice and crits, and the challenges that this might present to a nondivergent student. I want to better understand the various needs and to effectively communicate when styles differ. Additionally in both visible and invisible disabilities there are the ways in which institutions, healthcare systems and the organisation of everyday venues, spaces and facilities also often seem to overlook specific needs like access to ‘toilets’, and ‘quiet spaces’ and methods of appropriate pre planning within inclusive operations in advance.

Disabled individuals confronting societal expectations regarding gender roles and abilities, often contend with these layers of discrimination and marginalization. It underscores the importance of listening to, empathising and understanding the needs of individuals to gain insight into the nuanced ways in which these identities intersect and shape lived experiences. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, we can hope to create spaces that honour diverse identities and foster empowerment.

Impact on Lived Experiences: The intersections of disability and gender, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors profoundly shape individuals’ lived experiences. These intersections can either compound existing challenges or offer avenues for resilience and empowerment. The videos highlight the resilience and creativity of individuals in forging paths of empowerment and community building. However, they also underscore the ongoing struggles for recognition and support in a world that often overlooks intersecting identities. By embracing the richness of intersecting identities, we can foster solidarity within communities and advocate for new inclusive practices that amplify marginalized voices.

Recurring Themes and Differing Perspectives: Recurring themes emerge, emphasizing the significance of representation, intersectional advocacy, and amplification of marginalized voices. Differing perspectives within disabled communities underscore the complexity of identity intersections and the need for inclusive dialogue. From the Deaf community’s push for visibility to the challenges faced by non-neurotypical individuals in LGBTQ+ spaces, the stories illuminate the varied experiences within disabled communities. By acknowledging and embracing diverse experiences, we can work towards equality in society.

Disability Considerations in my Teaching Context:

As educators embracing humanist approaches which centre the experiences of disabled individuals and recognize the intersecting nature of identity, we can question performance standards facilitate an exchange of knowledge whereby both students and facilitators learn from each other to foster inclusive learning environments. Prioritizing accessibility, diverse representation and referencing, ongoing dialogues around intersectionality by practicing continued empathy, exploration and advocacy, honouring the complexities of individuals’ identities and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. Dismantling barriers of invisible standards and biases and fostering equity in the culture of education through culture and belonging ensuring equitable representation and validation of diverse perspectives.