--- title: "Celebrating Pride Month: 4 Quotes on Inclusion & Acceptance from Individuals with Disabilities" description: People with disabilities who are also members of the LGBTQIA+ community have done incredible work increasing awareness and tolerance in society. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/Pride%201.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-deterimination-hub/celebrating-pride-month-quotes-inclusion-acceptance-individuals-with-disabilities#main-content) [![nn_logo_wide_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Disability Pride](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/disability-pride), - [Disability Pride Month](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/disability-pride-month) # Celebrating Pride Month: 4 Quotes on Inclusion & Acceptance from Individuals with Disabilities ![Holding hands in front of a Pride Flag](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/Pride%201.jpg) Pride Month 2024 may be over, but the accomplishments and progress made by those in the LGBTQIA+ community are worth celebrating year-round. The same goes for Disability Pride Month and courageous individuals working toward disability awareness and acceptance.  Are the two celebratory months completely separate? We don’t think so. The challenges experienced by members of one historically marginalized group are often similar to the challenges of another marginalized group. Those who consider themselves part of the LGBTQIA+ community [self-report](https://www.kff.org/report-section/lgbt-adults-experiences-with-discrimination-and-health-care-disparities-findings/) higher rates of challenges in accessing quality medical care; the [same can be said](https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-barriers.html) for people with disabilities. These commonalities highlight the importance of intersectionality, which we’ll define a little further down.  ## A Brief History of Pride Month Pride Month has its genesis in the Stonewall riots, which were physical demonstrations by the New York gay and lesbian community after police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a now-famed gay bar, in June 1969. The first anniversary of the Stonewall riots saw sporadic activity, a far cry from the months-long celebrations and observances seen around the world.  Pride Month has also evolved into more of a celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture relative to the protest-themed activities of the 20th century. No matter how you celebrate Pride Month, we hope every occasion is a happy one. ### What is Intersectionality? In the simplest of terms, intersectionality is the idea that oppression and discrimination exist in various ways due to race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability status, and other ways people are classified in society. Furthermore, the theory of intersectionality claims that oppression and discrimination experienced by people in one social classification are similar for those in a different social classification. Let’s consider Shirley Chisholm. In 1968, she became the first black woman elected to U.S. Congress. She experienced discrimination and hardships based on her gender and race. The same goes for Ritchie Torres and Mondaire Jones, who, in 2020, became the first openly gay black people elected to Congress. Laphonza Butler became the first openly lesbian black member of Congress in 2023 when she was appointed senator of California by Gov. Gavin Newsom. ## Quotes From LGBTQIA+ Activists with Disabilities LGBTQIA+ and disability intersectionality have produced some truly thoughtful and courageous trailblazers over the years. From government to art and just about everything in between, American history is richer and more vibrant due to the contributions of those who overcame multiple challenges to etch their marks on history. ### Barbara Jordan Barbara Jordan became the first black woman from a southern state to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Due to the immense pressures of the 1970s, Congresswoman Jordan never publicly came out as lesbian but was a faithful partner to Nancy Earl for more than two decades. She was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1973, the first year of her six-year tenure in Congress. *“One thing is clear to me: we, as human beings, must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.” — Barbara Jordan* ### Marsha P. Johnson Johnson was a black LGBTQIA+ activist and drag queen who was one of the leaders of the 1969 Stonewall uprising. Johnson’s role as a gay liberation activist was diminished in the history books due to the relative lack of intersectionality of past decades. Johnson, who was HIV-positive, was found dead in the Hudson River; Johnson’s death was originally ruled a suicide but is now classified as undetermined.  *“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” — Marsha P. Johnson* ### Frida Kahlo Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who lived in the first half of the 20th century. Many of her works were commentaries on discrimination and oppression related to gender, race, and class. Kahlo was bisexual and lived with chronic pain after a bus accident she was involved in at 18 years old. She also walked with a limp due to a childhood bout with polio. *“Why do I have feet when I have wings to fly?” — Frida Kahlo* ### Rosie Jones Rosie Jones is one of the most visible lesbian comics in the U.K. She was born with ataxic cerebral palsy but has worked on countless television shows as an actor, writer, and performer. She also hosts a podcast and has written two children’s novels centered on a girl with cerebral palsy.  *“It is so important for children to know that being a little bit wobbly or 'different' doesn't stop somebody from achieving greatness!” — Rosie Jones* ## Let Us Help You Live the Life You Want NeuroNav offers [independent facilitation](https://neuronav.org/services) to Californians currently participating in (or interested in participating in) the state’s [Self-Determination Program](https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/sdp/) (SDP). This public program is a new way of allocating Regional Center services to those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs).  With the SDP, participants have greater control over the services they receive. The SDP prioritizes participants’ needs and goals through [person-centered planning](https://neuronav.org/self-deterimination-hub/person-centered-planning). Want to learn more? Schedule a [free consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) with our team to discuss how we can help.  ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. [![A man stands behind a white picket fence and smiles](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/18.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/design-innovation-disability-housing-the-kelsey) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), [Representation](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/representation) ### [Spotlight: Design Innovation in Disability Housing by The Kelsey](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/design-innovation-disability-housing-the-kelsey) December 17, 2024 Accessible, comfortable, affordable housing for adults with disabilities is something that people have fought for for... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/design-innovation-disability-housing-the-kelsey) [![A California SDP participant and her loved one search for potential independent facilitators on a laptop](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/153.jpg)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/independent-facilitators-sdp-participants) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp) ### [How Independent Facilitators Help SDP Participants](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/independent-facilitators-sdp-participants) July 23, 2026 Although the California Self-Determination Program (SDP) is designed to give participants more agency over their... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/independent-facilitators-sdp-participants) [![A boss and an employee with disabilities look at a piece of paper together and smile](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/14.png)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/new-self-determination-program) [Self-Determination Program (SDP)](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-determination-program-sdp), [Independent Living](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/independent-living), [Self-Advocacy](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/self-advocacy) ### [What's New in the Self-Determination Program? 2024 Updates to Goods and Services](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/new-self-determination-program) November 14, 2024 Recently, a new option has been added to the list of Self-Determination Program goods and services: Coordinated Career... [Read more](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/new-self-determination-program) Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. Request your free consultation with NeuroNav and discover the personalized support waiting for you. [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) Subscribe for ### Interested in More Insights? Stay in the loop with the latest from our blog. Sign up now and never miss out on empowering stories, tips, and updates. [![nn_logo_wide_electricindigo](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_electricindigo.png?width=200&height=49&name=nn_logo_wide_electricindigo.png "nn_logo_wide_electricindigo")](https://neuronav.org) [info@neuronav.org](mailto:info@neuronav.org) Phone: ‪(510) 621-3408 2323 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612 - **Services** - [For Families](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - **Knowledge** - [SDP Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - **About Us** - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [Contact Us](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NeuroNavLife) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/neuronavlife) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/neuronavlife/) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@neuronav/) [JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - [Terms of Service](https://neuronav.org/terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://neuronav.org/privacy) - © 2026 by Neurodiversity PBC d/b/a NeuroNav. If you have questions or concerns about NeuroNav services funded by your regional center, please visit the Department of Developmental Services website or call (916) 654-1987 for guidance on the process. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "NeuroNav Self-Determination Specialist", "url" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/author/neuronav-self-determination-specialist" }, "dateModified" : "2024-08-20T13:00:00.569Z", "datePublished" : "2024-08-20T13:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Celebrating Pride Month: 4 Quotes on Inclusion & Acceptance from Individuals with Disabilities", "image" : [ "https://neuronav.org/hubfs/Pride%201.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/self-deterimination-hub/celebrating-pride-month-quotes-inclusion-acceptance-individuals-with-disabilities", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" } } } ```