A celebration for the LGBTQ+ disabled community, York’s Quiet Pride on 15 August 2024 at York St John University offers a chance for people to come together in a quieter space, designed with accessibility in mind.
Sadly, many people feel they have to choose between being part of a disability Pride space or an LGBTQ+ space and, in reality, some disabled LGBTQ+ people don’t get to make that choice. Spaces that focus on disability often don’t consider sexuality and gender. And spaces that are carved out for LQBTQ+ people tend to be inaccessible.
Perhaps we’re talking about the LGBTQ+ bar that’s up a couple of steps and doesn’t have an accessible toilet. Or the event that hasn’t thought about sensory impairments. Or a Pride event that doesn’t have seating…
York Quiet Pride
Enter Quiet Pride, a space where people don’t have to choose between being disabled and LGBTQ+! An event that aims to foster community and connection whilst thinking about what radical access looks like. It provides a welcoming space, where everyone, disabled and non-disabled people, including those who may be questioning their sexual or gender identity, can feel included and celebrated.
Quiet Pride emphasises accessibility, with British Sign Language interpreters, wheelchair accessible rooms and detailed access information on the website. “It’s these small things that make a big difference”, commented an attendee from 2023.
An accessibility-focused and inclusive event
Whilst accessibility is key to bringing the event together, it’s done in a way that means disabled people don’t need to think too much about access on the day. Instead, attendees should enjoy the array of workshops and activities going on throughout the day, including accessible yoga, games, and space to make and display art. Further, it serves as a crucial gathering for a community to build friendships and connections.
2024 sees the third Quiet Pride, showing the need for alternative events and radical accessibility in York.
For more information on Quiet Pride, including accessibility details and directions, please visit our website.
