Lessons from two years of Every Body Queer
Hello,
Some lovely news for the transition from LGBTQ to Disability Pride months this week:
Every Body Queer has been shortlisted for a National Diversity Award!
For an organisation that is really just my friend Kim (Queer Love Co) and me putting on events with no budget and a background level of chaos, this is pretty cool!
We’re pretty chuffed.
It got me thinking about how we got here which is, in typical Lucy fashion, mostly by accident (Kim is thankfully less haphazard). When we first came up with the idea for a Prides crossover event, I was newly out, floundering, and had just met Kim. I think we both assumed the event would be a one off. I certainly don’t think either of us knew how strong demand would be or quite what we’d started. We definitely didn’t expect to be shortlisted for nationally-recognised awards. But here we are.
It has been a whirlwind, from that first, bonkers Pride event to prom last year; from nervous new friendships to a strong, welcoming community. I am, excuse the pun, so bloody proud of what we’ve done.
I’ve also learned a hell of a lot. To mark our anniversary and celebrate our nomination, here are some of those lessons:
Build it and they will come. I’m not kidding when I say I genuinely believed 20 people would turn up to our first event. We sold something like 90 tickets. Some people have been to every single event we’ve had. If you think there’s a need for something, there probably is. If you need something, other people probably need it too. Build it, build it, build it. They will come
A tiny access consideration can make all the difference
You will get things wrong. Fess up and apologise. People will appreciate the honesty and help you get it right next time
You cannot do everything
You specifically cannot do everything when you have no money. Be upfront about this
Watching a queer disabled person enter the room and visibly relax is a feeling up there with hugging your best friend or making a toddler laugh
It also means all the stress is worth it (great) so you will have to do it all again (less great)
Representation and belonging are literally life changing things it is in your power to create. How cool is that?
Mobility aides should be pimped out at every available opportunity
People are so incredibly kind
Working with and for your mates is such a privilege
A person you book for a panel can become one of your closest friends (love you, Ellen Jones)
Some of your best mates from before you started this whole thing will come along and tell you they are proud of you and you will feel like the luckiest girl in the world because maybe you are
Queer disabled people are a) hot, and b) feisty as hell
Do not, under any circumstances, piss one of us off. We move as a pack
You can be head-over-heels in love with an entire community and that’s just the way it goes
Being able to hear - and say - “yes, I know, me too” is worth basically everything
Not a bad list for two years. I can’t wait to see what happens, and what else I learn, next.
Before I go: this seems like a good time to mention that tickets for our next event are available now! If you’re disabled and queer, or a queer ally, come and celebrate Disability Pride Month with us on 26 July!
Much love,
Lucy
👏👏👏💕