Gain invaluable insights and access resources to support and empower LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, their allies, and professionals in related fields.
The intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities represents a complex and often overlooked aspect of human diversity. Individuals who belong to both communities face unique challenges, experiencing what is frequently referred to as double discrimination. Research indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to report having a disability compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, with studies showing that up to 36% of LGBTQ+ adults identify as having a disability.
This overlap brings forth a range of issues, including limited access to healthcare, employment discrimination, higher poverty rates, and increased vulnerability to harassment and abuse. Moreover, these individuals often encounter barriers in both LGBTQ+ and disability spaces, feeling excluded from fully participating in either community. The compounded effect of navigating multiple marginalized identities can lead to heightened stress, isolation, and mental health challenges.
Despite these obstacles, many LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities demonstrate remarkable resilience and advocacy. Efforts are being made to promote inclusivity, raise awareness, and create supportive environments that recognize and celebrate the diverse experiences within this intersectional community. As society progresses, it is crucial to address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Resource Directory
Organizations and Advocacy
SAGE: Advocacy and services for LGBT elders, including those with disabilities.
National LGBTQ Task Force: Advancing full freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQ people, including disability rights.
Queerability: LGBTQ and disability rights advocacy organization run by LGBTQ people with disabilities.
Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf: Organization promoting the welfare of Deaf LGBTQ individuals.
Deaf Queer Resource Center: Resources and information for the Deaf LGBTQ community.
National Center for Transgender Equality: Advocacy organization with resources on transgender rights and disability.
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF): Civil rights law and policy center with resources on LGBTQ disability rights.
Health and Wellness
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality: Resources for healthcare providers serving LGBTQ patients, including those with disabilities.
National LGBT Health Education Center: Education and resources for healthcare providers on LGBTQ health, including disability-related topics.
The Fenway Institute: Research and education on LGBTQ health, including disability and chronic illness.
CenterLink: Directory of LGBTQ community centers, many of which offer disability-inclusive services.
Education and Resources
GLAAD: Media advocacy organization with resources on LGBTQ representation, including disability representation.
PFLAG: Support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ people and their families, including those with disabilities.
The Trevor Project: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth, including those with disabilities.
It Gets Better Project: Uplifting content and stories for LGBTQ youth, including those with disabilities.
GLSEN: Resources for creating LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 schools, including disability inclusion.
Legal and Policy
Lambda Legal: Legal organization fighting for LGBTQ civil rights, including disability rights.
National Center for Lesbian Rights: Legal advocacy organization with resources on LGBTQ disability rights.
Transgender Law Center: Organization advancing transgender rights, including disability rights.
ACLU LGBT & HIV Project: Legal advocacy for LGBTQ rights, including disability rights.
Intersectionality and Identity
Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Resources on autism and LGBTQ identity.
Sins Invalid: Performance project celebrating artists with disabilities, centering queer and gender-variant artists of color.
Disability Visibility Project: Online community fostering disability culture and media, including LGBTQ voices.
Gender Spectrum: Resources on gender identity, including information for those with disabilities.
Employment and Workplace
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates: Organization working on LGBTQ workplace equality, including disability inclusion.
National Organization on Disability: Resources on disability employment, including LGBTQ-specific information.
Disability:IN: Business disability inclusion organization with resources on LGBTQ inclusion.
Community and Support
LGBTQ Disability Support Group: Facebook group for LGBTQ people with disabilities.
Asexual Visibility and Education Network: Resources on asexuality, including information for those with disabilities.
BiNet USA: Advocacy organization for bisexual communities, including those with disabilities.
Intersex Society of North America: Resources on intersex conditions and rights, including disability-related information.
Arts and Culture
Crip Camp: Documentary and impact campaign on disability rights, including LGBTQ perspectives.
Queers on Wheels: Performance group of LGBTQ people with disabilities.
Research and Academia
Queer Disability Studies Network: Facebook group for scholars and researchers in queer disability studies.
International Resources
ILGA World: International LGBTQ rights organization with resources on disability rights.
International Disability Alliance: Global organization advancing rights of persons with disabilities, including LGBTQ rights.
Youth Resources
GLSEN’s Disability and LGBTQ Students Resource: Information for LGBTQ students with disabilities.
The Kaleidoscope Youth Center: LGBTQ youth center with inclusive programming for youth with disabilities.
True Colors United: Organization addressing LGBTQ youth homelessness, including resources for youth with disabilities.
Related Subjects
Sexuality
Women with Disabilities
Resources In Your State