Commentary
Double Discrimination
Disability and GLBT
by Ingrid Hofmann and Bob Barr
We are two friends who met at a support group for disabled
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) individuals. Through
our experiences as identifying as both disabled and GLBT, we have often
encountered discrimination and even hatred. We are writing this article so that
you can begin to understand the double-edged sword of being both disabled and
GLBT in a society which many times shows a preference for the able-bodied heterosexual.
Statistically, however, the disabled GLBT population is larger than most people
expect, especially since most people do not like to think of disabled people
as being sexual, let alone GLBT. In fact, 10% of the general population identifies
as GLBT (Kinsey, 1948) and at least 20% consider themselves to be disabled (U.S.
Census Bureau, 2000).
Before we go further, let us introduce ourselves.
My name is Ingrid Hofmann and I am Deaf, disabled and gay. I identify
as disabled primarily because I have a complete vestibular loss, leading
to a loss of balance, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. For
mobility, I use a wheelchair, a walker, or my service dog, Bright.
After having grown up as a global nomad in several European countries,
I moved to Minnesota to study child psychology at the University of
Minnesota, where I am currently a Ph.D. student.
And I am Bob Barr. I first became disabled in an automobile accident,
over 19 years ago, caused by driving under the influence. Following
that, I spent six months in a coma and ten months in three different
hospitals, after which I had paralysis of the right side of my body.
Following substance-abuse treatment and physical rehabilitation, I
received a graduate degree in counseling, as well as a Chemical Dependency
Certificate. I currently have 19 years of continuous sobriety and am
a Ph.D. candidate in addiction psychology.
From our experiences and research, it is clear that many people in
society are uncomfortable with both disabled and GLBT individuals.
Discrimination toward both groups of people happens on a daily basis.
This discrimination can take the form of barriers, which can be blatant
or very subtle. Some of the barriers disabled GLBT individuals face
are physical, some are informational, and some are attitudinal.
Physical barriers tend to be the most obvious because they involve
physical access. In medical settings, GLBT individuals are often kept
from visiting their partners because they are not considered family
members. There is current legislative action being proposed at the
Minnesota capitol that would eliminate this problem. GLBT venues are
often found to be inaccessible for individuals using various mobility
devices, such as walkers, wheelchairs or canes. Altering building structure
to increase accessibility is a particular hardship for small businesses
(which GLBT venues tend to be) because of the finances involved.
The financial hardships for smaller organizations can also lead to
informational barriers. For example, providing audio-description, interpretation,
large-print, and Braille is often not financially feasible for all
GLBT venues, thus not allowing many Deaf and blind individuals to access
information and other kinds of content. As disabled individuals within
any given disability have unique and individuals needs, their requests
for accommodations can vary greatly. For example, not all deaf individuals
use the same type of language for communication. Some may prefer American
Sign Language, some may use Cued Speech, whereas others may need captioning,
and still others may use amplification systems. Although each accommodation
may indeed be expensive, the accommodations are important for the individuals
needing them. Oftentimes there is financial assistance available to
help in providing accommodations. There are organizations, such as
VSA arts, that assist arts organizations in making art venues accessible.
Attitudinal barriers, which may not be immediately visible, can be
difficult to detect and counteract. They can take on many different
forms, ranging from people being unaware about the needs of disabled
GLBT individuals to blatant discrimination. The latter may lead to
verbal or even physical harassment.
All of these barriers can, of course, lead to exclusion from mainstream
society. When disabled GLBT individuals desire to participate in events
or organizations primarily focused on able-bodied heterosexuals, they
may be confronted with lack of access and lack of acceptance at the
same time. Domains in which the double-minority status may be extremely
visible are employment, religious institutions, and medical care. Able-bodied
individuals may use non-inclusive language or even be outright hostile.
Ironically, because of
a double minority identity, disabled GLBT individuals often face
exclusion from the minority groups they are a part of. For instance,
GLBT organizations often don’t accommodate disability,
and disability organizations often don’t welcome or accept GLBT
individuals. Indeed, it is unlikely that disabled individuals are automatically
more attuned to or accepting of GLBT individuals than mainstream society.
Therefore, as a minority group within a minority group, many disabled
GLBT individuals are likely to seek out other disabled GLBT individuals.
Some disability organizations provide space and time for GLBT community
members to meet, such as at the Courage Center or the Metropolitan
Center for Independent Living. In addition, disabled GLBT individuals
may also choose to set up their own organizations or groups. For example,
the Deaf community has organized the Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf
with chapters in many different states.
Most people do not fit into boxes. All of us transcend labels. People
can fit into many groups at one time. People can have multiple disabilities,
be both disabled and GLBT, be members of several minority cultures.
As a society, we can only break down barriers when we see people as
people and see diversity as enrichment. Everyone can learn from the
diverse experiences of others.
We would like to emphasize the need to increase the visibility of
and the accessibility for disabled GLBT individuals in society today.
The responsibility lies within all of us: the able-bodied, the disabled,
the GLBT, and of course the disabled GLBT communities. ![]()
A support group for disabled
GLBT individuals, sponsored by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Minnesota
and the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, meets the first
Tuesday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the basement of 1919 University
Ave.
