InFocus: Queer and Disabled Story by PWDA member Tony
InFocus: Queer & Disabled is a digital storytelling campaign led by PWDA, centring the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people with disability.
Whilst on a camping trip along Hawkesbury Rivers NSW, I met an ally from the gay community who told me about the Local Harbour City Bears Social group. They are a gay sub-culture group fitting for men with beards like me. At the time, they met weekly at The Bank Hotel in Newtown. Initially, I travelled from every Sunday to meet with the social group. 4 years later, I have built life-long friendships, got to know the locals and discovered just how open-minded the people of the Inner West are. Connecting with this community has left a lasting impact on me.
Upon reflecting, I felt the open-mindedness of the Inner West community was something that I shared as well. Given the challenges I have faced as a person living with a disability, being open-minded is important to my quality of life. This inspired me to spend more time in the Inner West where I started to frequent the local hot spots, parks and bars for birthdays and gatherings in my spare time.
I felt very included and welcomed into a non-judgemental community where I felt safe to be myself. Before I knew it, I made the move to the Inner West where I continued to explore my newfound relationships by experiencing weekends away, lawn bowls, rooftop BBQ’s, live entertainment, picnic’s, pride celebrations, community events, local markets, fishing and cruises along the harbour.
One of the biggest moments for my identity was being able to march in the Mardi Gras Parade with the Harbour City Bears on Oxford Street. It felt very personal and important to me as a gay man with a disability to be visible to thousands while I danced my way along the parade. I also attend the annual Pride Fair Day to meet with the Harbour City Bears where I connect with my peers and get to explore other groups and communities from the day.
I also attend Queer Daze, a local queer disability social event at the Bank every 3 months, and the annual Inclusion Festival which gives me an opportunity to connect with others. I take pride in the sense of community that has supported me in celebrating my identity like this.
Over the course of the 3 years that I have been living in the Inner West, taking pride now as a local, I want my story to show other people no matter what age, ability or background that they too can find their place in the community and advocate for what the Inner West is all about.
This is important to me because having a sense of belonging in my community has really allowed me to live more independently. This is something I want others to experience so they too can grow with confidence in trusting themselves and being able to meet new people. They might be surprised at how accepting the community in the Inner West can be.
Nowadays, in my spare time when I am not working, you can find me taking long walks around the area, training a few days a week at a local gym, visiting local businesses, trying new cafes, exploring history and walking tracks.
Although I have many goals to see out, my current focus is to find a suitable job in the local area.
My lived experience as a gay man with a disability has had its challenges but I have been able to teach others about patience and understanding. Those who are also facing similar challenges should acknowledge the importance of community and explore the Inner West for themselves.
Find more InFocus: Queer and Disabled stories: