A message from Commissioner McCosh: Pride across communities

Dear Disability Community Members,

As you know, every June we celebrate Pride Month along with people in the LGBTQ community. But did you know that one third of those in the LGBTQ community also identify as having a disability?

The disability community cuts across every demographic and intersects with many other aspects of individual identity, such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexural orientation - and there are many others!

People often identify as belonging to more than one of these demographic groups, which is a concept called “intersectionality,” because it refers to the interconnected nature of individual identities that affect people’s lives.

Intersectionality has become an important part of disability advocacy in recent years, as we’ve come to understand the ways in which the experiences of people with disabilities interact with their experiences as members of other communities. 

In Boston, we have a vibrant LGBTQ community and a vibrant disability community, and many local advocates identify as belonging to both. However, both groups still face many barriers and there is still work to do to ensure true equity and inclusion.

There are many incredible groups advocating and providing support for the LGBTQ and disability communities, but I would like to highlight a few local resources for people who intersect our communities and may be facing unique challenges. 

• Fenway Health
• Justice Resource Institute
• AIDS Action 
• BAGLY

As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you need any information or assistance. You can dial 311 to reach City Hall, or call us at 617-635-3682. Our email is disability@boston.gov and the latest updates are available at the City of Boston's website.

Until next week, please stay informed, stay safe, and stay healthy. 

Sincerely,

Commissioner Kristen McCosh