Disabilities Are Not Your Inspiration Porn

While trans and racial justice has rightfully ascended in new conversations about queer liberation, so much is left behind when we ignore disability. According to Alex Locust, a counselor and speaker at the forefront of these discussions, when we do finally tell disability stories, they often come at a cost. "Disability is commonly portrayed as inherently negative, the source of pity and tragedy, something to be overcome. Inspiration porn, if you will," says Locust, explicitly calling out depictions of white cis men in media that nab Oscars on the backs of his community, and with a somber redemption story tacked onto it. (Eddie Redmayne in Theory of Everything, anyone?) "What if instead we viewed disability as a generative force? Something powerful and a source of creativity, innovation, and joy?" he asks.

"If queerness is a tool to leave the binary and express our unique selves, why can't disability be wielded in the same way -- queering the 'normal' body, physically and mentally?" Locust offers. "We should be celebrating the radical perspective of those living in the intersections of queerness and disability rather than simply including them out of obligation."

This is one of our 50 Radical Ideas, featured in Out's June/July 2019 issue celebrating Stonewall 50. The three covers feature the enduring legacy of activist Sylvia Rivera, the complicated candidacy of presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, and the triumphant star power of actress Mj Rodriguez. To read more, grab your own copy of the issue on Kindle, Nook, Zinio or (newly) Apple News+ today. Preview more of the issue here and click here to subscribe.