Ep. 28: Intersectionality Part 1 — Disability in the LGBTQ2S+ Community

The World Health Organization points out that for people who have a disability, negative attitudes about disability is one of the most common barriers to participation and inclusion — in the broader community and society in general — that they face.

But what about the intersection of disability, including attitudes and perceptions about it, with marginalized communities and cultures?

In Episode 28, we begin a three-part series exploring this.

About 1.3 million Canadians identify as being part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. And the results of the 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan Survey by Statistics Canada showed, 27% of people in this community are living with a disability. That’s around 350,000 people.

They’re a minority group within a minority group. And how inclusive is the one, for the other?

Not as inclusive as it could be, as we learn from our two guests.

In 2023, they co-authored a piece for The Conversation about disability inclusion in the 2SLGBTQI+ community. In this episode of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D, they share their insights.

This is an insightful, thought-provoking conversation with:

• Alan Santinele Martino, Assistant Professor in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies in the Community Health Sciences Department at the University of Calgary
• Emily Coombs, a PhD Student at the University of Alberta and lesbian autistic researcher studying the intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ indentity, the experiences of autistic women and lesbian mental health

SHOW NOTES

• The Conversation, article by Alan Santinele Martino and Emily Coombs, June 25, 2023
• Still Being Left Behind: The Intimate Lives of Queer Disabled People, by Alan Martino
• Facts, Stats and Impact: 2SLGBTQI+ communities
• Statistics Canada 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan Survey Findings
• Attitudes, Awareness and Behaviours Surrounding 2SLGBTQI+ Communities in Canada, prepared for Women and Gender Equality Canada, March 2023
• Episode 28 transcript (PDF)