This week we're joined by Merryn Thomas, a graduate from the University of Reading, who now works for The Back Up Trust in central London as a Courses Manager. 

We chat about Crip Camp, released in March 2020 via Netflix, and directed by James Lebrecht (who has a leading role in the documentary) and Nicole Newnham. Crip Camp is the story of a group of young folks who come together each summer during the seventies to form their very own inclusive and accessible Woodstock. The profound feelings of community and empowerment that they experience as teenagers informs the basis of their activism as adults. Energized by their implacable leader Judith (Judy) Heumann, disability activists from across the United States revolt, calling for widespride legislative change and a stark improvement in equal rights for people with disabilities. Together, they change the course of history, whilst simultaneously uniting a hugely intersectional group of supporters - including LGBT collectives in San Francisco and the Black Panthers themselves (!).

Our conversation delves into a whole host of themes, including self-empowerment, living your best life (apologies for the horrible cliche), relationships, celebrity connections, dating, politics, ableism, intersectionality, allyship and the complexities of language usage. Merryn is an outlandishly articulate and engaging speaker, as well as a very dear friend. 

To find out more about The Back Up Trust, to access their resources, or to donate a cheeky bit of cash, visit https://www.backuptrust.org.uk/

Give them a follow on the socials too: 

https://www.instagram.com/backuptrust/

https://twitter.com/backuptrust/

https://www.facebook.com/backuptrust/

https://www.youtube.com/user/BackUpTrust