The Politics of Disability

In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary put together this conversation series.During the final interview of the series, Mary talks with Keri Gray of the Keri Gray Group and the NAMED Advocates. The two discuss the gap between social justice and Disability Justice, how to close the gap, Black Disabled Lives Matter, and what it's like to live at the intersection of being Black and disabled.Keri Gray is a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator. She is the CEO of the Keri Gray Consulting Group, LLC, where they strive to create professional communities of understanding through disability and racial justice education. She is also founder of the National Alliance of Melanin Disabled Advocates, which creates spaces for disabled leaders of color and BIPOC allies to gather, learn, connect, and grow around racial and disability justice. Keri's work has been featured in Teen Vogue, the New York Times, People Magazine, Time Magazine, PBS NewsHour, Madamenoire, and the Diet Coke campaign #Unlabeled. You can follow Keri on social media here and NAMED Advocates here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

In this episode, Mary sits down with drag performer and Drag Queen of the Year pageant contestant, Charles Galin.The two discuss Charles' pageant experience, virtual drag, why they choose to continue to mask in public spaces, lack of general accessibility in the world, and more.You can follow Charles on social media here.Production note: Mary's microphone was glitching at some points and she was unaware. Please refer to the transcript, if need be or if it meets your access need(s).The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

Mary continues her conversation Season 5, All Stars 2 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race, Detox for The Politics of Disability Pride series.The two discuss continue their discussion on what it will take to bridge the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the disabled/chronically ill community, the rise, fall, and possible revival of virtual drag shows, building community during the pandemic, and more.Episode content warnings: Mentions of ableism, adult languageThe Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

In part one of the second interview for The Politics of Disability Pride series, Mary sits down with Season 5, All Stars 2 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race, Detox.The two discuss what it will take to bridge the gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and the disabled/chronically ill community, advocacy, anti-trans legislation, and more.Episode content warning: Mentions of ableism, mild adult languageThe Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

Mary continues her conversation with Season 12 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race and the national co-chair of Drag Out The Vote, Brita Filter for The Politics of Disability Pride series.The two discuss anti-LGBGTQIA+ legislation, voting, lack of access to voting, lack of accessible social media, and more.Drag Out The Vote is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that works with drag performers to promote participation in democracy. You can learn more about it here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

In part one of the initial interview for The Politics of Disability Pride series, Mary sits down with Season 12 contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race and the national co-chair of Drag Out The Vote, Brita Filter.The two discuss mental health, advocacy, voting, voting rights, Pride, the lack of accessibility when it comes to Pride events, and more.Drag Out The Vote is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that works with drag performers to promote participation in democracy. You can learn more about it here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary put together this conversation series.During the second interview of the series, Mary continues her conversation with Stacey Abrams' former press secretary, Jaylen Black. The two discuss advocacy, voting rights, lack of access to basic needs such as food and shelter, the intersection of faith and politics and Jaylen's new podcast.Jaylen Black is a communications professional who has spoken on behalf of some of the most powerful individuals in Georgia. Her previous roles include Director of Surrogate Communications for Reverend Warnock's runoff election, Press Secretary and Spokesperson for Stacey Abrams for Governor 2022 race, and Georgia Press Secretary for Senator Reverend Warnock's federal office. She has experience handling crisis Communications and plethora of political issues. You can follow Jaylen on social media here and here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in both October 2022 and again in June 2023.

In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary put together this conversation series.During the second interview of the series, Mary talks with Stacey Abrams' former press secretary, Jaylen Black. The two discuss how disability is viewed in the Black community, intersectionality, the disconnect between social and Disability Justice, and faith.Jaylen Black is a communications professional who has spoken on behalf of some of the most powerful individuals in Georgia. Her previous roles include Director of Surrogate Communications for Reverend Warnock's runoff election, Press Secretary and Spokesperson for Stacey Abrams for Governor 2022 race, and Georgia Press Secretary for Senator Reverend Warnock's federal office. She has experience handling crisis Communications and plethora of political issues. You can follow Jaylen on social media here and here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary has put together this conversation series.She continues her conversation with Alison  Mariella Désir in part two of this compelling interview. They discuss what it means to be multi-marginalized in the Black community, how disability is viewed in the Black community, the pandemic, and more.Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for community health. Alison came to running organically, following a period of depression, when a Black friend and role model trained for and completed a marathon.Alison is the author of Running While Black, the tv host and producer of Out & Back w/ Alison Mariella Désir (now streaming) and the host of Out & Back's companion podcast; listen here.Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, an NYC-based running movement, and Run 4 All Women, which has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthood and $270,000 for Black Voters Matter.Alison is co-founder and former chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit that unites the running industry to provide resources, measure progress, and hold the industry accountable to equitable employment, leadership, and ownership positions and improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.Alison holds her BA in History, MA in Latin American and Caribbean Regional Studies, and EdM in Counseling Psychology, all from Columbia University.Alison sits on the advisory boards for Strava and &Mother and is an Athlete Ambassador for Athlete Ally.You can follow Alison on social media here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

In celebration of both Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, Mary has put together this conversation series.She sits down with Alison Mariella Désir in part one of their conversation to discuss her book, Running While Black, the thought behind it, what running while Black means to her, the implications the book has had and the disconnect between social justice and Disability Justice.Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for community health. Alison came to running organically, following a period of depression, when a Black friend and role model trained for and completed a marathon. Alison is the author of Running While Black, the tv host and producer of Out & Back w/ Alison Mariella Désir (now streaming) and the host of Out & Back's companion podcast; listen here.Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, an NYC-based running movement, and Run 4 All Women, which has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthood and $270,000 for Black Voters Matter.Alison is co-founder and former chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit that unites the running industry to provide resources, measure progress, and hold the industry accountable to equitable employment, leadership, and ownership positions and improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.Alison holds her BA in History, MA in Latin American and Caribbean Regional Studies, and EdM in Counseling Psychology, all from Columbia University.Alison sits on the advisory boards for Strava and &Mother and is an Athlete Ambassador for Athlete Ally.You can follow Alison on social media here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

In this season 2 bonus episode, Mary sits down with RuPaul's Drag Race season 11 finalist, host of Canada's Drag Race and executive producer/host of 1 Queen, 5 Queers, Brooke Lynn Hytes.The two discuss the differences in perceptions of disability in Canada and the United States, disabled representation in the Drag Race ecosystem and the lack thereof. Will there ever be a more accessible Drag Race format for disabled/chronically ill drag performers?They also discuss misconceptions surrounding disabled individuals, the future of 1 Queen 5 Queers, the inaccessibility of drag shows and whether or not virtual drag shows will be making a comeback.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

In part two of this episode, Mary continues her conversation with friend Christophe Desorbay.The two discuss Mary's acting aspirations, the lack of representation on Broadway, auditioning for a Broadway role as some who is hard of hearing, and more. Christophe Desorbay is Franco-American producer and artist living in NYC. He currently works at Range Media Partners, finding the ways that theater can successfully interact with Film and & TV. Christophe is also a performer based in NYC, and thinks deeply about the ways that the industry can be more inclusive to disability. His regional theater credits include: West Side Story, Cinderella, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys & Dolls. TV/Film Credits include: ‘The Plot Against America' and ‘Wig,' now on HBO. He has also appeared in numerous ads and promotional materials, including Google Pixel, Daily Harvest, and The Book of Mormon. He has danced for JKDC, David Dorfman Dance, ELSCO Dance, and The Orsano Project as a company member. You can follow Christophe on social media here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

In part one of this episode, Mary sits down with her friend Christophe Desorbay about his experience as a artist, the ableism hard of hearing/Deaf performers on Broadway face, and more.Christophe Desorbay is Franco-American producer and artist living in NYC. He currently works at Range Media Partners, finding the ways that theater can successfully interact with Film and & TV. Christophe is also a performer based in NYC, and thinks deeply about the ways that the industry can be more inclusive to disability. His regional theater credits include: West Side Story, Cinderella, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys & Dolls. TV/Film Credits include: ‘The Plot Against America' and ‘Wig,' now on HBO. He has also appeared in numerous ads and promotional materials, including Google Pixel, Daily Harvest, and The Book of Mormon. He has danced for JKDC, David Dorfman Dance, ELSCO Dance, and The Orsano Project as a company member. You can follow Christophe on social media here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

Mary continues her conversation with founder and president of Row House Publishing, Rebekah Borucki. The two discuss accessibility, the disability tax, ableism and whether there is or will be a shift in representation in the publishing industry.Rebekah “Bex” Borucki (she/they) is a mother-to-five, self-help and children's author, and the Founder and President of Row House Publishing, Wheat Penny Press (Row House's children's imprint), and the WPP Little Readers Big Change Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving students in under-resourced school districts.You can learn more about Row House Publishing here.The Politics of Disability was named Best Interview Podcast at the Astoria Film Festival in October 2022.

Mary talks with founder and president of Row House Publishing, Rebekah Borucki about the lack of marginalized representation, particularly disabled representation in the publishing world, what needs to happen in order to change that, and how important access to books is for children (and everyone).Rebekah “Bex” Borucki (she/they) is a mother-to-five, self-help and children's author, and the Founder and President of Row House Publishing, Wheat Penny Press (Row House's children's imprint), and the WPP Little Readers Big Change Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving students in under-resourced school districts.You can learn more about Row House Publishing here.

Mary and Love continue their conversation as they dive into why Love created "Ableism Fridays," being an educator, the pandemic, and mental health.Love is a disabled Black and Jewish Higher Education administrator and educator. Love has led numerous trainings on creating inclusive communities and addressing internal and external biases.⠀Love currently runs an Instagram account that focuses on issues facing the Black, Jewish, and disability communities at large. She is passionate about learning and justice. She has lived all over the United States and currently resides in New England.You can follow Love on social media here.⠀

In part one of this episode, Mary and educator Love Wallace discuss the nuances and complexities surrounding intersectionality.They also talk about Love's experiences as a Black, Jewish, disabled woman and why it's difficult to get every part of her identity recognized by some.Love is a disabled Black and Jewish Higher Education administrator and educator. Love has led numerous trainings on creating inclusive communities and addressing internal and external biases.⠀Love currently runs an Instagram account that focuses on issues facing the Black, Jewish, and disability communities at large. She is passionate about learning and justice. She has lived all over the United States and currently resides in New England.You can follow Love on social media here.⠀⠀

In the second part of the season 2 premiere, Mary sits down continues her conversation with fellow disability advocate Nina Tame. The two discuss advocacy burnout, the pandemic, mental health, and Nina delivers her message to the non-disabled community. Nina Tame is a disability advocate, writer, and content creator from the UK. She uses her Instagram account to debunk outdated societal myths about disability and the ways ableism runs throughout herself and her life. Her experience of growing up disabled and parenting a disabled child is a continual influence that runs through her work. With wit, passion, and lots of wheelchair selfies, Nina's work explores the nuances of the disabled experience while contributing to the growing, diverse, and brilliant online disabled community.You can follow Nina on social media here.

Content warning: Some mild language and mentions of ableismIn the first part of the season 2 premiere, Mary sits down with fellow disability advocate Nina Tame to discuss her disability journey, how having a disabled child helped her find beauty in her own disability, being a disabled parent to both disabled and non-disabled children, and the misconceptions she faces from the non-disabled community.Nina Tame is a disability advocate, writer, and content creator from the UK. She uses her Instagram account to debunk outdated societal myths about disability and the ways ableism runs throughout herself and her life. Her experience of growing up disabled and parenting a disabled child is a continual influence that runs through her work. With wit, passion, and lots of wheelchair selfies, Nina's work explores the nuances of the disabled experience while contributing to the growing, diverse, and brilliant online disabled community. You can follow Nina on social media here.

Content warning: Explicit language and mentions of both ableism and racismIn the last part of the season one finale, Mary and Catalina discuss how Catalina's term "diversity burrito" came about, what it means, ableism and  racism in the workplace, the pandemic, and how Black advocates/activists paved the way for disabled advocates/activists.Born in Medellin, Colombia and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Catalina earned a BA in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University in 2011 and completed all coursework for MS degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University in 2015. In 2020 and 2021, she received RISE scholarships to attend American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum's Teacher Training Intensive for levels Pre-Primary through Level 5. ABT provided these scholarships to Catalina for her work as a social justice advocate and commitment to working with marginalized dancers, particularly with disabled dancers. Catalina is now an ABT® Certified Teacher, who successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum (NTC). She has over 15 years of training in ballet and trains under Zimmi Coker (ABT corps de ballet & ABT NTC Pre-Primary-Partnering), Michael Cusumano (former ABT company member), and Rachel Zervakos (ABT NTC Pre-Primary-Level 5). She is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and has training in lyrical and jazz, as well as experience with choreographing dances for and competing in regional and national dance competitions with ballet and lyrical solos. Catalina works with all dancers with emphasis on providing an educational experience that is respective of social justice and intersections of oppression. Catalina brings her perspective as a disabled Latina and her vegan ethics of compassion and harm-avoidance to her teaching to ensure that every dancer feels respected, protected, and valued in their entirety.Catalina enjoys using her platform to advocate for social justice through a disability justice framework and to speak about the many factors that prevent marginalized dancers from accessing equitable dance education and advanced training. Catalina regularly engages with Upgrade Accessibility to address social justice through a disability justice framework.You can follow Catalina on social media here.

Content warning: Explicit language and mentions of ableismIn the first part of the season one finale, Mary and Catalina discuss ableism in academia, the dance world and Disability Justice.Born in Medellin, Colombia and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Catalina earned a BA in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University in 2011 and completed all coursework for MS degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University in 2015. In 2020 and 2021, she received RISE scholarships to attend American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum's Teacher Training Intensive for levels Pre-Primary through Level 5. ABT provided these scholarships to Catalina for her work as a social justice advocate and commitment to working with marginalized dancers, particularly with disabled dancers. Catalina is now an ABT® Certified Teacher, who successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum (NTC). She has over 15 years of training in ballet and trains under Zimmi Coker (ABT corps de ballet & ABT NTC Pre-Primary-Partnering), Michael Cusumano (former ABT company member), and Rachel Zervakos (ABT NTC Pre-Primary-Level 5). She is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and has training in lyrical and jazz, as well as experience with choreographing dances for and competing in regional and national dance competitions with ballet and lyrical solos. Catalina works with all dancers with emphasis on providing an educational experience that is respective of social justice and intersections of oppression. Catalina brings her perspective as a disabled Latina and her vegan ethics of compassion and harm-avoidance to her teaching to ensure that every dancer feels respected, protected, and valued in their entirety.Catalina enjoys using her platform to advocate for social justice through a disability justice framework and to speak about the many factors that prevent marginalized dancers from accessing equitable dance education and advanced training. Catalina regularly engages with Upgrade Accessibility to address social justice through a disability justice framework.You can follow Catalina on social media here.

On Friday, July 8, 2022, Mary sat down with Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams for a one on one discussion about issues that directly impact the disabled community.The two discussed the lack of affordable, accessible housing, voter suppression, health care, myths surrounding Medicaid expansion, and more.Leader Abrams' plans for the state of Georgia are further described on her website found here.

Content warning: Mentions of racism, ableism,  suicidal ideationIn part 2 of their conversation, Mary and Emee discuss growing up in Middle Eastern families, not being "American enough," Emee's style, COVID and mental health.Emee is a disabled fiction and non-fiction writer, vintage jewelry maker, and business owner. She has thirteen chronic illnesses and is neurodivergent. She aims to build a life that is a culmination of all she loves while refusing to sacrifice any part of her cultures, her writing, her disabled pride, or her affinity for vintage fashion. She navigates life with a peculiar sense of humor, a cane, and desserts.You can follow Emee on social media here and here.

Mary is joined by Emee for this episode. In part one of this interview, the two talk disability, chronic illness, going undiagnosed and the gaslighting they've both dealt with in medical settings.Emee is a disabled fiction and non-fiction writer, vintage jewelry maker, and business owner. She has thirteen chronic illnesses and is neurodivergent. She aims to build a life that is a culmination of all she loves while refusing to sacrifice any part of her cultures, her writing, her disabled pride, or her affinity for vintage fashion. She navigates life with a peculiar sense of humor, a cane, and desserts. You can follow Emee on social media here and here.

Content warning: Mentions of natural disasters, death of a pet, ableism, COVIDMary and Jocy continue their conversation during the second part of this interview. They discuss disabled and chronically ill individuals being left behind/forgotten during natural disasters, ableism in the education system, COVID, and more.Jocelyn Mondragon, also known as Jocy is dedicated to building community by sharing Disability y Latinidad through a political and creative lens. She's a content creator, activist, model, and speaker. Her work on access, disability, and the intersections of race and disability has led her to speaking at universities, political organizations, and being featured in ABC, NowThis, BuzzFeed, and many more. When not creating content for her social media platforms, you can find Jocy playing with her cat or dancing in her wheelchair on her Instagram stories.You can follow Jocy on social media here and here.

Content warning: Mentions of suicidal thoughts, depression, mass shootingsIn part 2 of this very special bonus episode, Mary continues  her conversation with Dom Kelly, the Georgia Fundraising Director and the Director of Disability Engagement & Accessibility for Stacey Abrams' campaign for Governor of Georgia.The two discuss the political nature of disability/Disability Rights, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the lack of weight it carries legally, the pandemic, mental health, and more.

Content warning: Mentions of children's deathIn part 1 of this very special bonus episode, Mary speaks with friend, former colleague at Neighborhood Access, and fellow advocate Dom Kelly.Dom Kelly is currently the Georgia Fundraising Director and the Director of Disability Engagement & Accessibility for Stacey Abrams' campaign for Governor of Georgia.Previously, he was Senior Fundraising Manager at Fair Fight Action, the voting rights organization founded by Stacey Abrams, where he also created and led the organization's Disability Council composed of prominent disability advocates and policy experts from across the country. Dom is one of a set of triplets with Cerebral Palsy and has been a disability advocate since he was four years old. Starting when he was a young teenager, Dom and his brothers toured around the world with their rock band, touring and collaborating with artists like Indigo Girls, Joan Baez, The Bangles, and more and releasing 6 records over 15+ years.He is now retired from music, but with a decade of experience in digital and editorial strategy, he has devoted his life to progressive politics, policy, and advocacy. He received a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership degree from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice where he also received the Excellence in Social Impact award.Additionally, he holds a bachelor's degree in music production, a master's degree in journalism, an executive certificate in social impact strategy, and a graduate certificate in interdisciplinary disability studies. Dom currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Catie, their dog Vivi, and their cat Pippi Longstocking.Mary and Dom discuss the lack of research in adults with Cerebral Palsy, voter suppression, particularly pertaining to disabled voters,  and the myth surrounding those with intellectual disabilities when it comes to voting.

In part one of this episode, Mary is joined by fellow advocate, Jocy Mondragon. The two discuss ableism within the medical model, generational trauma, and yes, even Encanto .Warning: Movie spoilers in this episodeJocelyn Mondragon, also known as Jocy is dedicated to building community by sharing Disability y Latinidad through a political and creative lens. She's a content creator, activist, model, and speaker. Her work on access, disability, and the intersections of race and disability has led her to speaking at universities, political organizations, and being featured in ABC, NowThis, BuzzFeed, and many more. When not creating content for her social media platforms, you can find Jocy playing with her cat or dancing in her wheelchair on her Instagram stories.You can follow Jocy on social media here and here.

Episode content warning: Profanity and brief mention of abuseIn part 2 of this episode, Mary and Elle continue their conversation.The two discuss being Deaf and Jewish, the pandemic, mask wearing as a Deaf person, and Elle's message to the non-disabled community. You can watch Elle sign "The Matzah That Papa Brought Home" here.You can follow Elle on social media here.Elle is a Jewish DeafDisabledAutistic Queer Non-Binary Artist based in Portland, OR. Elle believes that art is a way of sharing their heart with the world in a way that transcends communication barriers.

In this latest episode, Mary talks with one of her closest friends and fellow advocate Elle Zusi.The two discuss navigating the world as a deaf person, both personally and professionally. They dive into identifying language and the nuances surrounding it, as well as embracing one's own disability identity.Elle is a Jewish DeafDisabledAutistic Queer Non-Binary Artist based in Portland, OR. Elle spends their time drawing and loving living in the rainforest with her dog Trip and cats Mushroom and Magic. Elle believes that art is a way of sharing their heart with the world in a way that transcends communication barriers. Her work both in art and in their community is justice and healing oriented and seeking to uphold Angela Davis' words, “we must act as if it were possible to radically transform the world, and we must do it all of the time.”You can follow Elle on social media here.⠀

Content warning: Mentions of eugenics and ableismAs part of Autism Acceptance Month, Mary continues the conversation with her colleague from Neighborhood Access, Eryn Star.The two discuss digital drag, disabled drag artists, disabled artists occupying ableist spaces, the intersection of activism and drag, the pandemic and mental health.Eryn Star (They/Them/He/Him) is an autistic trans queer activist who works as an In-House Intern at AAPD and the Social Media Manager at Neighborhood Access. Eryn is passionate about building solidarity between disability justice and queer justice movements. He hopes to support disabled community spaces in ensuring that disabled trans people are centered in disability activism.You can find Eryn on social media here. You can read their Rooted in Rights article here.

Content warning: Mentions of transphobia and police violenceIn honor of Trans Visibility Week and Autism Acceptance Month, Mary talks with her colleague from Neighborhood Access, Eryn Star.The two discuss at length about how ableism leads the non-disabled community to form opinions when it comes to the disabled community, autonomy, and gender identity as well as how ableism and transphobia are intertwined.Eryn Star (They/Them) is an autistic trans queer activist who works as an In-House Intern at AAPD and the Social Media Manager at Neighborhood Access. Eryn is passionate about building solidarity between disability justice and queer justice movements. They hope to support disabled community spaces in ensuring that disabled trans people are centered in disability activism.You can find Eryn on social media here.

Content warning: Profanity,  ableist language, talk of homophobia, ableism and eugenicsIn this brief but impactful interview, Mary and author/disability rights advocate Sean Gold  discuss the misconceptions of being non-verbal, ableism, navigating multi-marginalized identities, and the pandemic.As Sean is non-verbal, Adam Ross voiced for him during the interview. Sean Gold (he/him) is a black, gay man with a disability. He is an advocate for people with disabilities, and has one Microsoft certification for web design. In 2020, Sean was elected as president of the disability owned nonprofit organization, Coalition in Truth and Independence. He considers his faith, family, and friends the most important things in g his life. His physical disability is Cerebral Palsy, and he has a Tracheostomy Breathing Tube.He is the author of the novel Pure Love, Or Is It? (Trigger warning: Assault) You can follow Sean on social media here.

Content warning: Profanity, talk of homophobia, ableism, and eugenicsIn the second half of this interview, Mary and Cami Randleman discuss growing up in the church, the homophobia they've faced, gender identity, accepting their sexuality, how disability intersects with all of that and more.⠀Cami describes themself as follows:⠀“I am a Black 26 year old non-binary person. I have had mental health disabilities like PTSD for several years but more recently became an ambulatory wheelchair user because of my endometriosis and chronic pain. Lately I've been working on inner healing and the most difficult part has been accepting myself when others do not. I've been intent on being myself and being aware of areas where I am suppressed. A big part of this process has been dismantling my internalized ableism and helping to undo the ableism I see day-to-day. I believe that equity and disability justice are necessary for our community to thrive- we deserve abundance and not just survival.”You can follow Cami on social media here.You can donate to Cami's GoFundMe here.

Content warning: Mild cursing, mentions of harassment by law enforcementThe Disabled Student Union at UCLA (DSU) provides a safe and inclusive place for disabled, neurodivergent, and ill people to feel accepted. Its purpose is to empower students through advocacy, education, and pride, build relationships with the administration and wider community, remove access barriers on campus, and advocate for disability rights.As of February 14th, 2022, when this episode was recorded, the Disabled Student Union was on day 14 of their protest/sit-in.They are protesting the administration's refusal to commit to a hybrid program, despite the fact that disabled and chronically ill students are still disproportionately affected by COVID.Co-founder of the UCLA Disabled Student Union, Quinn O'Connor (she/they)and member, Christopher Ikonomou (he/xe) share their reasons for protesting and what they and other protestors have experienced during the sit-in.Follow DSU on social media: @dsuucla (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) Note regarding sound quality: This interview was done via Zoom. Quinn and Christopher were outside of where the sit-in is happening and the connection was poor at a couple points. Please reference the transcript (found here) for clarification.

Content warning: Brief mention of assaultEpisode note: Cami has asked that it be acknowledged that at the time of recording, they misspoke regarding the specific term "endometrium." In the first half of this episode, Mary is joined by Cami Randleman as they discuss the myths and stigmas that come along with chronic pain, the reality of living with endometriosis, and how others react to them being opinionated.⠀Cami describes themself as follows:⠀“I am a Black 26 year old non-binary person. I have had mental health disabilities like PTSD for several years but more recently became an ambulatory wheelchair user because of my endometriosis and chronic pain. Lately I've been working on inner healing and the most difficult part has been accepting myself when others do not. I've been intent on being myself and being aware of areas where I am suppressed. A big part of this process has been dismantling my internalized ableism and helping to undo the ableism I see day-to-day. I believe that equity and disability justice are necessary for our community to thrive- we deserve abundance and not just survival.”You can follow Cami on social media here.

In part two of Mary and Makahla's conversation, the two discuss medical racism even further, intersectionality, the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy within the Black community, and what Makahla's message to the non-disabled community is.

In the first part of this conversation filled episode of The Politics of Disability, Mary Fashik, the founder of Upgrade Accessibility and disability activist  Makahla Jackson discuss medical racism, biases,  as well as chronic illness.In part two, the pair will discuss intersectionality, COVID, vaccine hesitancy within the Black community, and what Makahla's message to the non-disabled community is.Makahla is a Disability Rights activist with a passion for Disability justice and Racial equity. She is a writer who focuses heavily on the intersection of being Black and Disabled. Makahla has used social media as an outlet to talk about the healthcare system reform and what it's like to live with an invisible Disability. She enjoys reading in her free time and re-watching her favorite tv shows. Follow her on social media here.

In the premiere episode of The Politics of Disability podcast, the founder of Upgrade Accessibility, Mary Fashik and disability activist Syanne Bloom discuss the ableism in medical settings and in the pageant world, as well as navigating the pandemic.