Pride isn't about feeling superior. It's about not feeling ashamed. 🤷

I'm a member of the disability community (cerebral palsy -- a condition I was born with). And I was 26 when the ADA was signed into law (I was one of the people who wrote their senators to urged them to vote for it). To me, "Pride" is not: "Hooray! I *am* happy that I'm [X]," but: "Dammit! I *deserve* to be happy, regardless of [X]!" Also: "I will not make myself smaller and quieter, just so you can be more comfortable." Also: I look at "Disability" as surviving a catastrophe that the Universe threw at you, and coming out the other side, changed, but still valuable as a human being. Also: thanks for committing to the bit. If you were to drop the mic, would that be putting your foot down on an important issue? 😏

as a disabled queer, I think it's important to remember that gay pride started as a riot and continued as a protest. It was a way to say "we're here, we're queer, and we're not going to change to be more palatable for society (and give us our rights)" and disability pride may not have started with a riot, but the ADA got passed because of the capital crawl protest. I think both months are about celebrating how far we've come and how far we still need to go, not necessarily about how happy we are

All disabled voices should be heard. Thanks for sharing your voice!

I'm autistic and I have a love/hate relationship with my disability itself, but I love disability pride. I'm struggling with my own life, but I'm so proud of all the other mentally and/or physically disabled people, and proud to be a body and voice supporting accessibility and acceptance ❤️ 💗 💜 💖 💙

Taking the perspective from the LGBT Pride movement, Pride isn't actually about being Proud. It's because Pride is the antithesis of Shame. You should NEVER feel ashamed to be disabled. So, for those who do feel that, Pride is how we counter it. Things that build Pride defeat things that engender shame - acceptance of diverse physical and mental experiences and capabilities, body positivity, affirming language, seeking any euphoric experiences you can discover in your differences - there are lots of activities we can engage in, even alone, to engage in Pride. But together, these are simply more effective. Acceptance, affirmation, positivity, euphoria, these are all both easier to obtain, and more effective weapons against Shame, if we seek them together. I'm disabled, neurodivergent (with multiple flavours!), LGBT and a survivor of trauma, s.harm, and sui. My perspective of Pride has changed over the years, when I was younger it didn't seem relevant to me, then slowly it became important to me for reasons of being supportive as an ally - then when I needed it, it remained. I applaud everyone who makes the time to even so much as mention it, to simply spread the word. Because there is a kid today that heard about it the first time, and will carry the movement through their entire life - and there is no telling if it will one day carry *them*.

I do like disability pride contextualized as pride being the opposite of shame. Like I shouldnt be ashamed thst im unable to work, i shouldnt be ashamed of my inability to live independently. Im also trans and queer, pride for me is firmly an act of protest, its saying i am human, i am deserving, i am worthy. Pride in the context of a marginalized group for me is standing in the faces of people who would rather ignore us and saying we are here.

"Disabled pride" doesn't necessarily have to mean "I'm proud to be disabled". It can also mean "I'm a disabled person persevering in an inherently ableist world and I'm proud of that" -I'm sure someone said this

I just use disability pride month as an excuse to post thirst traps in my wheelchair 🤷‍♀️

Disability pride is not about ignoring challenges, it's about acknowledging challenges and facing them honestly. It's about recognizing your worth as a disabled person that is so often stripped away. It's about continuing to fight for equal access. Disability pride is powerful and that's why we celebrate it!

I really REALLY hate that so many people view "negative" emotion as negative mindset. Not only that, but there's a BIG difference between manufacturing fake happiness in order to appease those who judge your "negativity," and slowly "growing" into the practices that support a healthy mindset that CAN help you become genuinely happy.

I just recently realized that I am disabled (I have PTSD and some hearing loss with tinnitus) and I am slowly coming to terms with it. Thank you for this video. I know my disability is very different from yours but society as a whole has a long way to go to improve both the mindset towards disabled people and accessibility of everyday life. Also, I did not know that July is disability pride month. Edit: I love the foot mic 😂❤

I'm proud of who am as an Autistic woman. It's harder to feel "proud of my chronic migraines". But the month encourages me to feel less ashamed of them. The real complication is each disability is so different, even just defining where it ends and we as individuals begin is wildly different depending on the exact situation. My Autism is inherently who I am as a person, my personality, it's a part of my brain. The Migraines? Also part of my brain, but it's a very different relationship- and I feel no love for my condition. But I need to remember it's not my fault, and to take good care of myself- not eat away at myself with the internalized guilt.

And being proud of what we can do! Just last week I, a 29 yo disabled woman, texted my mom to say "Guess what I cleaned the bathroom in one go!!" And she was happy for me because she knows the pain and exhaustion it causes.

I'm 63 years old and this is the first year hearing about Disability Pride Month! I've been advocating about disability issues most of my adult life! I'm proud of my accomplishments and who I am. I'm a man that has Cerebral Palsy but that's not who I am. I'm a man that wants to help people and have fun. I never think about my disability but realize I will live the best life I can. I never separate the disabled and the able-bodied world! A friend said this to me many years ago everyone has limitations but for people with physical and or intellectual disabilities they are more obvious. Educating people about disabilities and what needs to be done improve the quality of life for everyone!

"It's hard because I'm tired..." YES. 100% feel that.

Im 34 years in *paraplegic wheelchair user w/ Spina Bifida* today was a crappy day. I need this video! Like you said I am just tired. Im frustrated that we as disabled people are the ones who are left to educate others while we (or at least I) cant even articulate what it even means to be disabled. I've overcome a lot in my life both externally and internally and I know there is more to come. Pride to me is self acceptance.

My disability isn't visible (unless you stare at my left forearm). But disability has taught me this: "Loving myself is not selfish. Loving myself is a bold affirmation of the value of my life." Keep doing what you're doing, Jo. You make a difference in a lot of lives, including mine. Thank you.

from one person in a disabled body to another: thank you so much for saying literally all of this 💕

To me, disability pride is more about acknowledging the challenges of disability that you have and continue to overcome. Growing up in a society where media denotes our existence to be pitied or condescended rather than celebrating us for our actual achievements, it’s normal to feel like disability is a dirty word. I appreciate your honesty on this and feel much the same!

Disability pride to me is being proud of myself and my fellow disabled people for still being here through the good and the bad. No matter how awful it’s gotten, we’ve made it through and we’re still here because we’re strong. No matter how weak we may look to able bodied society, we are strong and will continue to be and that’s something to be proud of.

I am glad you didn’t script this video. I think it’s so amazing that you are so transparent about your struggles.

I'm Queer and Disabled, and so I've got two solid months of "Pride" - for me it's always been about embracing all parts of who I am, showing up as my most authentic self, and not hiding parts of my lived experience. It's about spending some time honoring the people who've made the progress we've gotten possible while knowing there's a lot left to do. It's about mourning those we've lost to societal ignorance and bigotry while celebrating the people still here. So many people don't know how much more work we (our overall society) need to do to reach actual equality. I'm proud of all of who I am, proud of surviving this long despite poor odds and daunting statistics. I appreciate you making this video, Jo. Pride is complex, and means a million things to a million people.

I’m more ‘mentally’ disabled then psychically, and I always felt ‘not disabled enough’ for the disabled title

Jo, I follow your channel because I am proud of you. No conditions.

Not gonna lie, I had to watch this twice because I got SO EXCITED you have two of the greatest pillows in existence in the background. I’m not proud of my disability, but I am proud of what all of us do everyday in a society that does so little to help or support us. That we should be proud of.

You remind me of my aunt Cheryl. You both speak in the spirit of intellectual honesty.

I can only speak for myself but one of the reasons I gravitated toward your videos is because you’re NOT always happy go lucky and ultra positive. For me that makes you more relatable as a person rather than just a youtube personality. - Also: The foot mic was definitely a correct choice 😊

Disability pride makes me feel conflicted. I sometimes wish I wasn't apart of this community and that my body just worked properly. This community is great and I love the progress that has been made.

Disability pride to me is about being proud of the strides the community has made and continues to work towards in regards to making the world more accessible. And also being proud of ourselves for overcoming difficulties thrust on us by our disabilities and by ableism. For surviving and thriving (hopefully) in a world that doesn't always want to see us doing just that. Also pride as a rejection of shame. I'm not proud to be disabled in that I think people should want to be or something. But I also refuse to be ashamed of my disability. I'm proud to be me, and disability is part of me.

One of the best things about your channel is that you do say that you have mixed feelings about your disability. It's very honest and relatable, because the world IS ableist and no one can be thankful all the time when they are constantly being treated like crap or infantalised. Having someone with a platform who has moments where they might not be "happy happy joy joy" all the time is so beneficial for others who are dealing with the same issues.

Great video, Jo! I was born with cerebral palsy and was 9 years old when the ADA was passed. I did not know there was a disability pride month until this year, I think. There's even a flag! It's only been observed since 2015, so from a historical perspective, it's very very new. And like, we only have 12 months in a year, and there are probably hundreds of things that deserve their own month. My first reaction is, I was born this way, it's not an "achievement" that I'm proud of. (Much like the whole "proud to be an American" thing--I happened to be born to American parents, and there's a whole heck of a lot that I'm not proud of about this country.) Identity is complicated. Are there things I've accomplished that I'm proud of? Yeah. Are there things I'm really struggling with about being disabled? Yes a million times. I like that you and so many others are pointing out that it's not really about being "proud to be disabled," but proud of the struggle and the accomplishments toward full rights and access.

Much love and support to you, jo. Continue on your road on getting the gold play button

"pride month" existed for 45 years before disability pride also got its own month. the first Pride parade was a riot, it is an act of communal rage demanding to be heard, respected and protected. disability pride deserves that same energy and support.

I really appreciate your honesty about how things can suck. It helps me when I get fed up with my disorder to know I'm not alone. Disability Pride, for me, is screaming I EXIST. I belong here. I struggle. I live in Nebraska. My disability is mental. Mental health doesn't exist here. Part of advocating for myself is educating people, the other part is convincing them I have a problem. The worst of this comes from my own family. The good news is, I'm in therapy, my workplace is VERY understanding, and I think I've found medication that works for the most part. Eventually, I'll have a day that doesn't suck.

The vids where you are just not having it are the inspiring ones for me personally. Those are the ones that make me go “oh shit someone gets it! Finally!”

Thanks Jo. I’m not up to speaking my opinion but I am really thankful for yours (and I recognise much of my own struggles are at play that aren’t really common to others). Thanks 😊

I am aware disability pride month. I'm so happy you committed to your foot Mic. " It's hard to recognize change isn't going to happen unless the people who are feeling the negative effects of that inequity do the advocating and invite allies and able bodies people in the fight." - Jo Very moving words Have a great evening

Thank you Jo, the way you speak about your struggles really resonates with me. You articulate what I struggle with so much. Thank you, Jo. I've been struggling with depression for years now, and I know it's not the same, but you help me a lot. All my love to you.

Never knew about the month; as the sister of a brother dealing with MS for the past 10+ years, I take pride in the way he has approached his illness. He uses social media as a platform to raise awareness of his condition, and to encourage others fighting along. I think that is the main thing that has drawn me to your channel. You are silly, confident, encouraging, realistic, frustrated, angry, overwhelmed = in a word, real about you as a person and what you put into getting through a day. You own your accomplishments, acknowledge your weaknesses, and constantly move forward in life.

I actually didn't know it was a whole month thing. Now I do. I have invisible conditions which means that I might look like I don't have disabilities, but I do. That lets me sit in the space with you as you feel your feels. You feel How you feel. We don't get to choose our emotions, we can only choose how we react to them. Jo you have made amazing decisions about how you want to react to your emotions. One I think you do the very best is that you don't shove the bad feelings down. They are fair ...they get acknowledged, felt and dealt with. Keep being your awesome self. You're certainly an inspiration to me whether you're having a happy day or a not happy day.❤❤❤

This is the first time I’ve heard of this. As someone with a “hidden “ disability (Multiple Sclerosis) I completely agree with what you said. Thank you for all you do every day

I like to think of July as Gay Wrath Month, personally, and yes, I'm disabled and queer. Edit: more seriously, I must point out that we call it "pride" as a rejection of the idea that we should be ashamed of it. Ashamed of our queerness, ashamed of our disability. It's just who we are, and while it's not *all* that we are, it's the part of ourselves that the larger world never lets us forget about.

I wasn't aware of Disability Pride when did this happen

I became a member 5 years ago. Never heard of this till this year. But I have pointed out so many jacked up modifications, like heavy doors that are hard for anyone to open, toilet rails on the other side of the bathroom. Some of these could be googled and done better. But I have also seen drivers stop in a turn lane to make sure I could limp across the street safely while their light turns red. Or realize they are parked in a space, and go back and move their car. I have also known folks able to work great jobs who would have been denied in the past. I would say that is something to be proud of. But there is still great inequity regarding services. A community should be proud to provide accessibility and care to those who need help and families who support them.

Great video! I'm a wheelchair user, who has been disabled since birth and I didn't know anything about Disability Pride Month until maybe 4 or 5 years ago. I'm also 51, so I was 18 when the ADA was passed and I've seen a lot of improvement in that time, when it comes to public accessibility. Unfortunately, I haven't seen nearly as much improvement when it comes to public perception and I've seen even less when it comes to how we're treated by the government. At least, here in the U.S. and that brings me to how I've reckoned with the idea of disability pride. Admittedly, it took me a while to get my head around the idea and where I've landed is very informed by the fact that I'm also lgbtq+. Due to both of those Identities, my very existence makes a great many people very uncomfortable and I've learned to embrace and take a great deal of joy and pride in spiting all of them. They don't want me to be proud or even visible, so I'm going to make a point of being both as a big middle finger to everyone who would rather I disappear.

I was really confused by the concept of disability pride when I first heard it. Now, a few years later, I use this month to celebrate who I am as a disabled person. I do my best to honor the journey that I've been on so far, and I celebrate the work that I've done to advocate for myself and others in the disabled community. This year is the 10 year anniversary of my first chronic illness diagnosis (been chronically ill my whole life but it took a while to realize what was wrong), and I'm proud to look at how far I've come. I also mourn all that I have lost and all of the things that will be harder in my life because of disability. Love to all y'all, feel all the feels friends 💙🦓

I'm one of many with an "invisible" disability. I first learned of disability pride month a few years ago from NatGeo oddly enough, every month they have an ad/banner that says we're celebrating... and disney+ added the category as well. When I first thought about it, I thought of it as a period to promote advocacy and awareness. To remind people that with different abilities, different restrictions exist in every community, whether they want to acknowledge them or not, and equity is not equality. My disability has taken so much from me, most of my hobbies and activities outside my home. However, you just reminded me that I have a lot to be proud of in spite of that. I'm proud that I've been an excellent caregiver for my family. I took great care of my grandparents for several years, pushing myself further than I would have for my self, I got them to appointments, I advocated for them, I managed medications, whatever they needed I got done. Cooking/ cleaning I did it all. I've been doing the same for my dad, taking him to Dr appointments and telling more than he would as well as advocating for him. I clean up when he's spilled or dropped something. Hell I wake up a dozen times a night because I think I hear his scooter, and I'm up to see what he needs, whether it be meds, a drink, or for me to wake him up because he fell asleep on said scooter and I get him safely back to bed. You just reminded me to be proud of what I have accomplished even with my limitations. I have learned how to work with what I've got, and how to work within my limits. Thank you, I know it's hard to be vulnerable in front of so many people whether you can see them or not. I really enjoyed the foot mic, reminded me of the shoe phone in get smart. Made me laugh a little too, and lifted my mood.

Sometimes unscripted is better because it’s not forced or rehearsed. Truth is freedom, freedom is truth.

Being recently disabled (lost my hip to staph over 3 years ago) one of the hardest things to deal with is having an able and willing MIND, but not having an able body. I'm still a relatively young man and there's so many things I'd like to see and do, but I always have to take my physical limitations into consideration. My family recently went to a local attraction that I used to enjoy, but as it's 3+ hours of walking, I knew I couldn't do it. Heck, I feel have to plan even basic movements around my house, so as to maximize my activity within my bodily constraints. At such times, pride is hard-come by.

Got to say the foot mic kind of epic. I think I'm very glad you didn't take the time to script it. You spoke well You said what you had to say nd if you'd scripted it I don't think we ever would have had the foot mic. It got sealed as epic when you waved goodbye with the foot mic.

yesterday, I learnt about disability pride month, and learning about other peoples disabilities has been great. But by far the best part for me has been seeing someone else with a colostomy bag, I've lived my entire thirteen years of life and five years (I think) of having a colostomy bag without seeing a single other person with one. After twisting my knee really badly and being confined to my bed for a couple of days now has really took a toll on me mentally but seeing a video of some one who has the same condition as me for the first time in my life has really lifted me up. God I'm trying to hold back my (mainly happy) tears

Thank you for being honest and doing this from where you're at right now. I've been following you before my disability, so this has been truly helpful. I have an autoimmune disorder uncovered by covid-19 in late 2020. My body is now acting like I'm closer to 60 instead of 40. I haven't worked in about 2 years beyond a contracted position where I see at most 15 people/hours a year. It's been hard to take the moniker disabled, as everyone around me for years thought that was giving up. But walking up a hill or stairs causes me me to stop as I have trouble breathing and/or pain. I can't focus like I used to, find simple words, and can't remember a lot of things. I struggle with using a ramp, or having my cane on vertigo days. Or when people joke about my sunglasses in a store on a bad migraine day. But I have realized that being disabled is not the end of the world. I'm finally finding some treatments that are helping, and I don't feel so useless. It's been a struggle to say the least, but if you're in this spot you're not alone. Don't give up. Hugs to you all. ❤

As a disabled person I think I deserve to be proud of how much I’ve accomplished and how far I’ve come despite the fact that I face institutional and societal barriers. I’m proud when I am able to do something I thought I would miss out on because I choose to use a mobility device. I’m proud when my mental health gets bad and I choose to take care of myself instead of self sabotaging. Im proud that even though I don’t have the money and the advocacy backing me, I still fight for my medical care. For anyone reading this, if you’re struggling, I’m proud of you for being here.

Your thoughts and feelings about this and everyone else's in the comments were what I needed to hear today. I'm still coming to terms with being disabled - my illness only started developing six or seven years ago, and I only "became disabled" maybe three years ago, so this life is new to me. I struggle when I see disabled creators who seem proud and unfazed by being disabled when if I could make a wish to be healthy again, I would do it in a heartbeat. I will take everything that you've all said to heart and work towards a day when I can say "I'm disabled and I'm not ashamed of it or lesser because of it."

Welcome back, dahlin', good to see you again 😊 You have NOTHING to be ashamed of, Jo, it isn't a "you" problem, it is a "Them" Problem!! Keep Smiling, please 😊💖

I didn't know there was a Disability Pride Month, but now I do!!!! I recently found your blog and I'm hooked!! Thanks! I absolutely LOVE you!!!! You are real, honest and owning your own life!!!! You are awesome, not because of your disability, not in spite of your disability but because you are You!!!

The foot mic brings me joy and amusement I didn’t know I needed. Please make footmic a regular thing Jo

I am proud of my community that fights so hard for our rights and supports one another. I am proud of the obstacles I have overcome. I am proud that I am able to accept my limitations without being ashamed of them.

I'm so glad to hear someone say this! I've had an invisible illness since I was a child, so often I look completely normal and healthy when in reality I can be struggling to make it through a day. I hear disability "pride" and it just feels so conflicting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts ❤

First : THANK YOU 🫶💯🙏 I am from Guatemala. We have an infinitely less anything for disability . These things like a "pride month" is unheard of . Think ...40 or even 60 years ago ! What you do is raise AWARENESS and empower recovery where possible , adaption where needed , help on the level of construction even is made with the problem in mind ! Thank you again. I survived a hemorrhagic stroke. I am not "proud" of the effects . I am VERY proud and thankful to live and to live as close to "normal". ( in itself a crazy idea. What USA tales for granted iny life I have witnessed are only dreams for many 🤷🏼‍♂️) Your channel has taught me many things and I am fortunate to have found your channel. You do have much to celebrate and to be proud of . Keep on doing these videos! 💪💯🫶🙏

When I was a child in the 60's so many children and adults were treated like a burden on society. There were even kennels/hospital where mentally handicap were isolated and treated like animals. I am so glad in my classroom their are children with disabilities who are not ashamed of their disability. They have learned at an early age that they can triumph over the challenge that life faces. My great nephew also struggles with autism but he is the most loving and smart child that blesses our home with such life and energy. I am proud of the fight for equity for people with disabilities. Think of how much it has helped the entire society, elderly, and people who just felt that imperfections made them unworthy. I am a music teacher. I sing and share the value of people with differences and disabilities. We all have strength and challenges. Our goal in life should be to face our challenges/ disabilities and help others triumph also . That is what it means to be humane .

Jo, this really resonated with me. I have been an amputee for the last 20 years. Being disabled is tough. I have to battle to be true to myself. I still struggle with calling myself disabled, that word still hurts my heart. It is good to be reminded that I am not alone. I only need reach out to a member of our community and share my feelings.

I love hearing you speak. Says it as it is, honest. I have told you before you should write books, eloquent talented story teller:)

Disability Pride Month to me is about celebrating the disabled community, accepting ourselves and raising awareness about the challenges that we face.

As someone with learning disabilities, I've heard the "superpowers" thing a lot. Supposedly it makes me "unique" and I should see it as something that makes me "special." In reality, it makes my life harder, and no matter how many coping strategies I come up with it will always be an obstacle that I have to fight to overcome. But I push through and try to make a good life for myself despite it! And I am proud of how I've kept going even when things are tough. Superpowers though? No.

It's exhausting having a disability so getting through each day with a Happy face can be soo tiring. So to all the disabled people out there I'm proud of you!! With the help of the Lord I enjoy each day🙌🌈❤

I wanted to thank you for this video. My son is not disabled however, your post is important in life. He may come in contact with someone who needs your words in a time of dispair. I want my son to have a sense of responsibility for those around him. Your video is perfect and uplifting. It will help many with their problems and help others understand. Thank you very much.

I agree 100% with everything you said! I’m proud of all the things I’ve overcome as a disabled person - including all the physical, mental AND emotional issues that come with my disability.

I'm proud to be heard as a disabled girl. I'm proud to not give a shit about what others think.

I've been disabled for about 15 years. I was an advocate for the passage of the ADA back when it was working its way through Congress. I had never heard that July was disability pride month until this year, or at least it never stuck in my head until this year. I have many complicated thoughts on this whole thing. I have what is sometimes called an "invisible" disability. I have a genetic illness called PKD that destroyed both of my kidneys and I've had a kidney transplant. Having an organ transplant means being immunosuppressed for life. That comes with a whole host of difficulties not faced by most of society, I caught a common cold virus this spring and almost died. But I can walk down the street and if all my surgical scars are covered no one knows. Even if I take my shirt off you need to have some medical knowledge to know what the scars on my back mean, many people think I've had back surgery and that isn't terribly uncommon. People don't single me out for discrimination. I often feel very uncomfortable taking "advantage" of my disabled status when it becomes clear the benefit was intended more for someone in a wheelchair or with other mobility issues(which is often the case, like disabled parking).

Thank you for letting me know that for the month of July i disable pride month I’m still dealing with my both left and right well with me amputated but I see you videos it’s been a help. Thank you.

Wow I follow your journey already almost 5 years?? You’re such an awesome and inspiring woman Jo!

Thank you for your honesty. It is refreshing and I am sure people going through similar experiences feel less alone and us temporarily able to have a better understanding of living with a disability and to be more supportive.

Your honesty also when you are not feeling well is what I love about this channel. And I am happy that you are allowing yourself to have a bad day and be proud of it!

Wow, just wow. That was so eloquent- doing it from heart and head rather than scripting it was a great way to go on the subject. I dr feel comfortable with it or awareness month. I think it’s right that there’s awareness where it’s needed (for example in travel / transport sector, local planning policy etc}sadly in Uk, there’s not enough practical awareness - town planners don’t pay any more than lip service to practical awareness. But a train company I worked for were amazing - they provided the most amazing training on disability training that was so engaging and thought provoking. I even got pulled aside and asked if I’d like to contribute as I’m registered blind - of course, as they’d been really respectful how they did it, I was delighted to help and whenever they ran the curse, I’d go along to help. I just don’t think it need a month - disability isn’t just a month!

I was born with spinal muscular atrophy. I have always had an issue with the word pride use with disability. I totally agree with you. And I've had to understand it on my own, pride means being proud of how I've dealt with it, created my own independence, fought for every bit of self-reliance and autonomy. I'm proud of how I've defended myself against those who would take those things away from me. And proud of how I fought for others who can't fight for themselves. And it's stunning how many people think we enjoy this? I hate being disabled, I hate having to have others take care of my needs physically. I hate dealing with Medicaid and Medicare, I hate having to be a diplomat so that other people don't treat me condescendingly and with disdain. And maybe I do a lot of what I do out of spite, to prove that I have the right to exist, to be happy, to be fulfilled, to do what I want and not what others expect. And yeah, I'm damn proud of that.

This December I will be an below the knee amputee for 20 years and I have never heard of Disability Awareness Month. And to be honest, I don't care. It doesn't change my day to day life. People still stare & whisper when they see me. Traveling is still a huge struggle no matter what form I try. People watch me struggle with getting my walker in the Uber or bus or on the train or have it taken away just as you're walking into the airplane cabin. Which then means I will lurch side to side holding seat backs until I get to my seat at the back of the plane. My face bright red from embarrassment & humiliation. So personally I couldn't care less about the special month.

I couldn't have said it any better. It's about not being ashamed of being Disabled. Rock on lady

I lived most of my life able bodied but now I am trying navigate a world I never realized was so hard. Yes it is hard but it is conquerable. I have had multiple injuries to my legs and have problems with my lower spine. This leaves me with difficulties walking, climbing stairs, and am in constant pain. I can no longer do what I used to physically but I battle everyday as you do to improve my life a little at a time. To me Disability Pride is making the world understand what it means to fight against the odds and what able bodied people think the disabilities we have make us. I have an High Functioning Autistic son. He hates the word disability because it makes him feel broken. He is not nor are any of us broken. We don’t need fixing, we need understanding and an equal opportunity to reach our potential. Your voice is helping to achieve this and that is what you and us should celebrate in this month. You are beautiful and worry of all you desire.

For me, as someone who has been active in Autistic spaces for years, and becoming more physically disabled over the last couple years, I'm not happy about the negatives of my disability (chronic pain, mobility issues, dietary restrictions), but im proud of how far I've come and how much I've done WITH my disabilities. I dont want disabled people that follow me to have to go through what I did. For me, its less saying that "Disability is great!", Its saying that being disabled is a huge part of someones life and being proud of existing as a disabled person.

As many people already said: thank you for being real! I got me/cfs from Covid in addition to my mental health issues. About three months ago I crashed badly and now spend most of my day in bed. The hardest thing for me is constantly not being understood or being misunderstood. I've been feeling a lot of this weight of me having to advocate for myself and others and at the same time just being so freaking tired that I don't know how I could possibly do that.

I never knew about disability pride month until I watched this video. You have educated me. I am not sure where I sit with this since I am classed as having minor disability. I am open to being educated more about what disability pride month is about.

I've been visibly disabled since I was born, & I feel like the well-intentioned "you're /differently/ abled!" spiel was, like, nice to hear when I was a kid because I was constantly finding new things I Couldn't Do as much as my friends could, and didn't have the practice or strategies to work around those, yet, that I do now. But as an adult it rubs me the wrong way too, bc it /does/ feel more downplaying than encouraging. Thank you for talking so honestly about your experiences! Also A+ commitment to the foot mic bit p:

I have been disabled for 33 years - I've never heard of it. I will never be proud of being disabled. I will forever be grateful for what I can do despite the disability.

Disability pride is about how far everyone has come in the community. The journey of acceptance, the strides in activism, and knowing you aren't alone. If you look at disability pride the way an outsider looks at gay pride or culture pride then you miss the community. You miss the people that fought so hard to get the celebrator to the point they are at. It's not just the individual persons disability and struggle that they are proud of. Think galudette college doing a sit in for deaf representation in their deaf college. And how they some how got america to care. It's about women like Judy hueman who stood up to congress to protect your rights. It's about the people who loudly talk about their disability so that others don't feel alone or broken. It is also pride in that everyday people with disabilities can live happy lives and thrive. Yah it going to feel icky looking at it from a narrow field view. If it wasn't for the internet I wouldn't have recognized why I was diffrent and allowed myself to breathe. For years people called me a moron and laughed at me for being odd. But I survived some horrible situations that no one seemed to notice or want to acknowledge it. It hurt taking the time listening and figuring it out. But now I know that I'm not gonna change how my brain works but I can be proud that I'm not alone, that I survived 100% of the worst things that happened to me, and I came out of all of it in a country where I have right to get the help and recieve the tools I need. We still have a long way to go. But I can take pride in knowing that the world will continue to get better for.

I finally went disabled May 2021 even though I felt disabled before. Thank you for bringing up the question if I ever thought about Disability Pride Month. I did not know it existed till this month. I am so thankful that people made the changes I have to help me deal with my disability.

Thanks for your honesty! It gives non-disabled people like me a much deeper perspective of a disabled journey. I can relate a bit to how you feel. My body has gone through massive changes in the last couple of years and there is so much I’m not able to do and things I have to adapt to. I’m pissed about it and I think if they had a menopause/asthma/sleep apnea/CPAP pride month, my response would be f*** that. I’m glad you are proud about your recovery and please continue keeping it honest!

It's really refreshing to me to hear someone that feels the way i do. I have felt really guilty and almost like an outcast sometimes in the disabled community for being honest that I'm not proud of being disabled and disability pride is tough for me.

I'm disabled with a very bad spastic walk and lack of balance and so forth, and I never heard of this. It gets no mention on the news, no one's Facebook feed mentions it. I'm still kind of new to this disabled thing, up until 6 years ago I just walked kind of weird. Now I have to avoid any uneven surfaces and I'm always looking for something to grab when I fall. You are an amazing person and your brutal honesty is just one reason I admire you. Take care,

I work within intellectual disability services and have done for many years yet never heard anyone mention Disability Pride Month. I found it on the National Day Calendar website. All that you say about actually acknowledging that Things Are Hard and Things Are Not Fair when you have a disability is right on. So often, the difficulties the people I help actually face are simultaneously glossed over and pathologised. It's like they can't just BE. Part of that is the funding model that provides for their care but it's also the culture of the able folk who do the caregiving. As someone with a hidden disability or two, I'm so glad that we are finally able to advocate for our needs with a vocabulary we didn't have just 10 or 20 years ago.

to me pride month is to say that i am proud to be here, disability and all. that its perfectly fine that i exist and to hope for a future that is more inclusive. i do also have plenty of bad days. but it is good to acknowledge that as well. our struggles and our accomplishments

An excellent documentary to watch during Disability Pride Month is Crip Camp, which follows a group of people who went to camp together in the 60s-70s and later are instrumental in getting the ADA passed.

I wrote an undergraduate research paper on disability pride and self identification and it changed my life forever. My paper was titled “Disability Pride: An Oxymoron?” Definitions of disability pride vary, but two are most prevalent. The first is of celebrating diversity with a view of “disability” (what would be called impairment under a social model) as a natural variation and part of the human experience. This view is based in the diversity model of disability which, “[like the social model] recognizes the inaccessible and often oppressive environments that surround people with impairments[,] [but] differs from the social model in that it situates disability as a unique cultural group as a result of the experience of impairment, regardless of the individual’s environment” (Forber-Pratt et al.). Researchers Forber-Pratt et al. describe how “[t]he diversity model celebrates the experience of disability as a cultural phenomenon, with particular cultural outputs-unique contributions made because of, rather than in spite of, the position and identity of disabled people.” The diversity centered definition of disability pride is a celebration of the unique individual identities and talents of individuals with impairments, and a declaration by the community of individuals that their differences do not make them “lesser,” but rather are a source of unique ideas and skills that contribute to the richness and complexity of society and humanity as a whole. The second definition of disability pride is influenced by the minority group model of disability. In this definition, disability pride is described as the rejection of ableism and discrimination and the claiming of community, bound together by shared experiences of oppression. This view of pride as a minority group celebration, rather than a celebration of “disability” (either meaning impairments, diversity, or societal barriers and stigma), mirrors other civil rights centered movements such as the Gay Pride and Black Pride movements (Bogart et al. “Who Self-Identifies as Disabled?” 554). It is a claim to equal rights, and a rejection of the idea that those in the majority group are superior. It is a celebration not of individual impairments or societal oppression but rather of pride for one’s community and the strength and resiliency of its members. Researchers Kathleen Bogart, Emily Lund, and Adena Rottenstein, argue that while “[e]xperiences of stigma have been associated with a number of negative physiological and psychological outcomes for minority group members, including people with disabilities,” their research has shown that “these effects may be mitigated when members of the stigmatized group reject a stigmatizing culture and choose to identify with each other rather than with the majority group” (Bogart, et al., “Disability pride protects self-esteem” 155). This rejection of stigma and identification with one’s minority group is the underlying force for the second conceptualization of the disability pride movement. While the disability pride movement lags far behind other civil rights movements with regard to widespread awareness, support, and acceptance; social and psychological research on the topic is extensive. Positive disability identity, disability affirmation, and disability pride have been found to be correlated with many positive outcomes. In an article in the journal of rehabilitation psychology, Bogart et al. report that disability identity and identification are associated with “greater self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and political engagement, as well as lower psychological distress” (“Who Self-Identifies as Disabled?” 554). The authors also report that those “who experienced an impairment but did not self-identify as disabled reported lower self-esteem and higher stigma than people without disabilities, whereas participants who identified as disabled had the same levels of self-esteem and perceived esteem as people without disabilities” (“Who Self-Identifies as Disabled?” 554). The positive outcomes are not limited to emotional wellbeing, Bogart et al. explain that “people who identify [as disabled] are more likely to seek accommodations and resources and to advocate for themselves in the workplace” (“Who Self-Identifies as Disabled?” 554). The overarching theme of the leading disability studies research is of a strong connection between disability self-identification and numerous positive social, emotional, and occupational outcomes. I personally have found that identifying socially as Disabled, rather than pretending to be non-disabled, and becoming a part of the Disabled Community has been life changing and incredibly empowering.

being disabled, please dont call me inspirational. I am proud of how I have been able to recognize what my body can do and adapting life for me to functional. out of it, I have had the most amazing service dogs. they are life for me

I’m a non-disabled person who knew about Disability Pride Month before this video. I feel like this year I suddenly saw a bunch of posts about it, which may or may not be a broader phenomenon than just having liked one post by a disabled friend who works professionally on accessibility issues and then getting a bunch of related content suggested by The Algorithm. But it’s an important thing to learn about and I hope more people are becoming aware of it! Disability pride seems like it has a lot in common with early LGBTQ pride in the aftermath of Stonewall: people declaring loudly their right to exist as they are, without being “fixed” out of society, out of the public eye, or out of polite conversation.

As someone who is also part of the disability community, Thank you for talking about this

Disability pride month puzzles me as well. Your points give me a different way of thinking about it. I really appreciate you sharing your point of view.

I can definitely understand the internal conflict over this, I'm not disabled, but I have loved ones who are in various ways. I like and subscribe to your concept of pride. I have this thing I tell people about having patience that's along the lines of "Being patient isn't necessarily about enduring something and being fine or happy about it, it's about enduring it." It might not be perfect, but there's this thing where we expect people who are strong to be happy and perfect all the time, when it really just means they endure. Anway, I love that you are getting your voice out there, and I would say the superpower that disabled people do have is to be able to endure! It's not always pretty or happy and you don't always know how you'll do it, but that's also power in itself. May the rest of us do what we can to help and understand.

I struggled with a long time over whether I was “disabled enough” to use the label. I finally had to ask: do I consider myself “able-bodied?” And the obvious answer to that was No. Once I felt allowed to think of myself as disabled, it helped me reframe my attitude toward my health - rather than focusing on the things I couldn’t do, I focused on the things I COULD do, even with my disability. And that relates to how I view disabled pride. I’m not proud that my body regularly malfunctions, but I AM proud of my resilience in the face of it.