Don't Mess with Texas
I just got home from General Assembly (unitarian universalist conference in texas). It was a crazy 10 days. like, oh my god. I'm so glad to be home. I'm still processing. I think i grew a lot this GA, or changed, or something (talk about that more later).
things i learned:
*there's so much work that needs to be done when fighting oppression. Main oppressive topics from GA: racism, homophobia, and ableism.
*we need to fight the death penalty. This week celebrates the death penalty being nationally abolished as well as re-legalized.
*uus are really awesome at protests
*It's really fucked up how inaccessible things are. Things I'm going to try to be more aware of: 1) People pretend like they don't see people with disabilities - it makes you feel like you are invisible. 2) When working in groups with people that are less able, it's not ok to ask the person if they are willing to sit out of the event (they'll probably lie and say yes) and it's not fair to point out that that person is the reason a different activity is going on. 3) Try not to feel like the person that needs help is a burden and be very careful about how you act or what you say, because it will be read that way. I hope that I can apply my new awareness and continue to work on it myself.
I went to so many queer youth/young adult workshops. it was amazing.
I had a really hard time for a few days. but i learned to be very self-sufficient. I spent two days by myself at workshops. I met so many new people. I think I was very accessible to people at this GA, for the 1st time. I had lots of people come up to talk to me and meet me. I don't know if it's because I was in a wheelchair or because I wasn't on staff, or both. Either way, I wasn't told that I was intimidating, which I always am.
It was really nice getting to spend so much time with Rebecca and Elyssa. That was new and fun. And spending time with people like Darwin, Matt, and Liz that I don't usually spend much time with at events. Overall, it was good.
P.S. I'm home alone for 10 days. Anyone wanna come play or keep me company?
P.S.S. I'm so excited to be out of a wheelchair and walking (sorta). I can't say "yay" enough!!!!!!!
things i learned:
*there's so much work that needs to be done when fighting oppression. Main oppressive topics from GA: racism, homophobia, and ableism.
*we need to fight the death penalty. This week celebrates the death penalty being nationally abolished as well as re-legalized.
*uus are really awesome at protests
*It's really fucked up how inaccessible things are. Things I'm going to try to be more aware of: 1) People pretend like they don't see people with disabilities - it makes you feel like you are invisible. 2) When working in groups with people that are less able, it's not ok to ask the person if they are willing to sit out of the event (they'll probably lie and say yes) and it's not fair to point out that that person is the reason a different activity is going on. 3) Try not to feel like the person that needs help is a burden and be very careful about how you act or what you say, because it will be read that way. I hope that I can apply my new awareness and continue to work on it myself.
I went to so many queer youth/young adult workshops. it was amazing.
I had a really hard time for a few days. but i learned to be very self-sufficient. I spent two days by myself at workshops. I met so many new people. I think I was very accessible to people at this GA, for the 1st time. I had lots of people come up to talk to me and meet me. I don't know if it's because I was in a wheelchair or because I wasn't on staff, or both. Either way, I wasn't told that I was intimidating, which I always am.
It was really nice getting to spend so much time with Rebecca and Elyssa. That was new and fun. And spending time with people like Darwin, Matt, and Liz that I don't usually spend much time with at events. Overall, it was good.
P.S. I'm home alone for 10 days. Anyone wanna come play or keep me company?
P.S.S. I'm so excited to be out of a wheelchair and walking (sorta). I can't say "yay" enough!!!!!!!