These are very bad times.
Full of so many good people.
We must continue taking care of each other and fighting for one another.
That’s always been the work, that’s always the work.
-Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg
So much is happening in our world as I write this. It is hard to fathom and I ask myself how can I write a blog about our Pride celebrations while all of this is happening? The world turns and we have to keep turning with it. As we hold space for all that is going on, we must take care of each other, fighting for one another where we can. Our struggles to exist authentically are connected. We continue as our world does and now let’s talk about making Pride events more accessible because gosh darn, if it’s not accessible, it’s not Pride.
The following list includes suggestions from awesome folks in my community who deserve a big thank you and want to enjoy Pride:
- Promotional materials should be accessible to folks who are blind or have vision related access needs/use text to speech software. A lot of folks post jpegs or other files that don’t recognize text as text, so folks who rely on screen readers or read aloud software are unable to access it. Maps and clear signage should be at the event as well, as well as online before the event.
- ASL interpreters should be on call and that should be advertised widely. Live captioning is a great option too.
- There should be reliable access to water and misting stations, curb cuts for mobility devices, ramps and step-free routes, ample close parking and accessible drop-off zones, and regular seating set up for folks who may or may not use a mobility device but might not have the endurance to stand for long periods of time. If possible, provide seating for all bodies and weight limits.
- If possible, there could be a small selection of scooters or other mobility devices for folks who typically don’t use them, but would need mobility assistance in the event of high heat and lots of walking. Reserved seating for disabled folks is appreciated. Shaded areas are appreciated.
- The NYC Dyke March provided masks and had mask required sections for minimizing COVID transmission. Check the air quality for the day of the event and provide masks if the air quality is low. For indoor events, require masking and testing. Refer to the People’s CDC Planning for Safer Gatherings: https://peoplescdc.org/safer-gatherings/
- Foam ear plugs should be provided for folks who might have sound sensitivity or could be overstimulated by a really busy environment.
- In addition to sound sensitivity, folks who are photosensitive/seizure prone might be reluctant to participate if there are lots of bright and blinking lights. Provide warnings to participants if this is the case and set up low-sensory zones. For example, the Glastonbury Festival has 4 tents set up as sensory rooms, by Diverse UK. Glastonbury’s Welfare Centres and The Festival Branch of Samaritans provide experienced, caring and confidential help for anyone who needs it at the festival too.
- All food and drink vendors should have signs about allergies like peanut and tree nuts.
- Sanitary, accessible toilets are necessary.
- A lot of Pride activities are free, which is great! But not all of them. Consider a sliding fee scale so more people can participate. The location should also be accessible by public transit.
This is not an exhaustive list, so please, tell us: What makes Pride accessible for you? Let us know by sending an email to contact@tamarapincus.com.