“Double the pride. Double the fun”: InFocus with Finn

PWDA's member Finn O'Keefe shares their story about life as a queer person with disability, often feeling doubly on the outer as part of the InFocus: Queer and Disabled campaign

InFocus: Queer and Disabled Story by PWDA member Finn O’Keefe

InFocus: Queer & Disabled is a digital storytelling campaign led by PWDA, centring the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people with disability.

People with Disability Australia | “Double the pride. Double the fun”: InFocus with Finn

It’s such an honour to be marching this year with PWDA and celebrating their Queer & Disabled campaign.

Growing up with cerebral palsy, I never knew other people like me. And as a queer person with disability, I often felt doubly on the outer.

It’s an unfortunate rite of passage for many young LGBTIQA+ people to grow up being bullied, feeling isolated, or like they don’t fit in. And for queer people with disability, there are even more reasons to feel like you just don’t fit.

I’ve waited my whole life for social outlets that celebrate queerness and disability together. It’s only recently I’ve seen this shift start to occur.

I’ve walked or ridden in March Gras for more than 20 years. But this Mardi Gras will be the first time I’ve marched together with both my intersectional tribes, and I couldn’t be more excited!

So, look out for me on my adapted e-trike, where I will be flying two flags: the Pride Progress flag and the Disability Pride flag.