I was scrolling TikTok shortly before Halloween when one of the folks I follow, Paul Danver (@practicallyperfectpaul), who is queer and chronically ill, walked confidently across my screen wearing a themed Halloween outfit with a color coordinated cane. I loved everything about it. There are endless stereotypes about disabled people: we are supposed to be sad, hidden, sympathetic, villainous monsters, or inspirational heroes. We are not supposed to be confident, stylish, happy, queer (because we are not supposed to be sexual), or out in the world having fun.
I wanted to share with you a vision for a more inclusive world. One where it’s common to see a person confidently navigating the world with a cane that complements their outfit, turning heads not out of sympathy but admiration for their self-expression. Where disabled high femmes rock heels in their wheelchairs, proving that style and glamor know no bounds. Where neurodivergent people proudly don bright colors and patterns, challenging what fashion looks like and embracing their unique way of experiencing the world. And, on the opposite end of the spectrum, where I can and will continue to wear leggings and 90s style Barbie t-shirts because I am too tired to figure out anything else.
This curated collection of style icons isn’t just about showcasing LGBT people with disabilities; it’s about challenging preconceived notions and stereotypes. It’s about celebrating those who blend their queer and disabled identities with unapologetic authenticity. It’s about offering a space where readers can see themselves reflected in these stories, or learn more about disabilities through an empowered lens that differs from what mainstream media presents us. I hope you discover someone new who makes you feel understood or helps you learn something new.
Aaron Rose Philip (she/her)
Annie Segarra (she/they)
Instagram | TikTok
ASHA (she/bhen/bruh)
Drag Syndrome
Instagram | TikTok
Eddie Ndopu (they/them)
Instagram | TikTok
Jessica Kellgren-Fozard (she/her)
Instagram | TikTok
Julian Gavino (she/they)
Kay Ulanday Barrett (they/he)
Instagram | TikTok
Lilac Vylette Maldonado (she/they)
Pansy St. Battie
Instagram | TikTok
Paul Danver (he/him)
Instagram | TikTok
@practicallyperfectpaul Spent the weekend at a pumpkin patch before it got too hot! Have you been to one yet??? #Halloween #Pumpkin #PumpkinPatch #falloween #SpookySeason #OOTD #HalloweenOutfit
♬ Halloween Theme – John Carpenter & Cody Carpenter & Daniel Davies
Power Not Pity Podcast by Maxwell Joy Moore (ze/zir)
Robyn (they/them/xe/xem)
Instagram | TikTok
@wheelingalong24 I feel like a 15 second trailer is my neurospicy dreams 😂 Hi, I’m Robyn. I’m trans non-binary, I use they/them pronouns & I’m a chronically ill & disabled wheelchair user who likes fashion, photography, graphic novels & my cat although I’ll mostly be posting about the first 3 😅 My life is not really this pretty but this is my escapism & that’s okay 😊 . #WheelchairFashion #DisabledFashion #PlusSizeFashion #MidSizeFashion #CottageCore #VintageFashion #VintageInspired #VintageCore #WarmCore #DarkAcademia #CottageCoreAesthetic
Ruby Allegra (they/them)
Instagram | TikTok
Shelby Lynch (she/her)
Instagram | TikTok
Samantha Golden (she/they)
Instagram | TikTok
@avintagelark style a princesscore outfit with me 🎀✨🩰 #vintageaesthetic #princesscore
Sami Schalk (she/her)
Stevie Boebi (she/her)
Instagram | TikTok
@stevieboebi Get ready with me 💜🌞🌊☁️ If it’s all things that your friends have given you is it still considered secondhand September? I’ve had so many hand-me-downs from my super fashionable friends lately I accidentally made a whole outfit out of them! (Aside from the sunglasses and socks) ♻️ Even my custom orthotic insoles were lovingly gifted by my NHS podiatrist 🇬🇧😂 I hate buying things new if I can get them secondhand (my wife makes me buy new mattresses tho 🙄) but it’s also so fun getting clothes from your friends when they’re done with them. #secondhandseptember #secondhandfashion #slowfashion #sustainablefashion #dopaminedressing #joyfuldressing #ootd #grwm
Zoë Arnold (they/them)
Yesss I love these! What great outfits and lots of cool new people to follow. 😍 Plus I’m loving the queer+disabled content, more please!
I want to just say “Ditto,” but that feels lazy… so yeah everything Sarah said. Maybe a regular segment of fave posts. And Thank You!
This is great. I don’t really do insta or tik tok, so I need AS (my cool younger cousin) to tell me who to watch / follow.
I love this, thank you!!!
So nice to see people like me :D
Thanks for the detailed update on the LGBTQ+ content and defying stereotypes. It’s fantastic to see such a diverse range of shows and documentaries that has educational purpose. Whenever I need a break from study, I go online and search for help. This article https://edubirdie.org/can-you-get-caught-using-edubirdie/ helped me to realize that it is easy to hire an expert for my tasks and try to explore something different. While someone is handling the homework, I am going to search for the great content and representation!
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