June is Pride Month—a time to honor the history, resilience, and joy of LGBTQ+ communities. At The Arc Minnesota, we recognize that Pride is about visibility, dignity, and the ongoing fight for equity. We believe it is important to uplift the voices and experiences of people who live at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and disability identities.
Intersectionality Matters
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) can also be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, intersex, asexual—or identify anywhere along the LGBTQ+ spectrum. These individuals face unique challenges, including:
-
Higher rates of discrimination and social isolation
-
Barriers to inclusive healthcare, especially gender-affirming and reproductive care
-
Lack of representation in both disability and LGBTQ+ spaces
-
Limited access to safe, affirming support services
A 2021 report from the National LGBTQ Task Force found that LGBTQ+ people with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, unemployment, and violence—and are often left out of mainstream advocacy efforts in both communities.
Pride Is for Everyone
Pride Month is a powerful reminder that every person deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated—not just for one part of their identity, but for all of who they are. For LGBTQ+ people with disabilities, that means ensuring:
-
Services are inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation
-
Programs respect people’s right to self-determination and relationships
-
We listen to and center disabled LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates
At The Arc Minnesota, we are committed to building a community where people with IDD can live fully—and authentically—as themselves.
A Call to Action
This Pride Month, we invite you to celebrate by taking action:
-
Learn from LGBTQ+ people with disabilities about their experiences and needs
-
Advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ and disabled communities
-
Speak up when you see exclusion or discrimination
-
Make space for joy, self-expression, and connection
Pride is about visibility, progress, and possibility—and we all have a role in making our communities safer and more inclusive.
To all LGBTQ+ people with disabilities: We see you. We support you. We celebrate you.