Lakeria, Raven, and Olivia introduce themselves, and talk about their experiences as members of minority communities. They discuss discrimination based on race and disability, and similar misconceptions about people who are black and people who are blind.
Raven: When it comes to being disabled, especially when you have a visible disability, it's what people notice 1st. Typically, when you deal with anything frustrating,, or encounter cases of discrimination, you know it's related to your disability. In cases where skin color might be the issue, it's hard to know the difference because folks often have low expectations for black people and blind people.
Lakeria: There may have been instances where I've been discriminated against, where someone might not have wanted to help me, because of racism, or some other reason. I've also dealt with help being forced on me, and it was irritating because my "no" wasn’t taken for an answer.
Olivia: Being a black, blind woman is to be at a crossroads of two demographics that aren't really respected or valued. There are many parallel stereotypes, like black women are strong, and blind people are strong for just existing. Yes, we can be strong, but we're human and nuanced. Also, people take pity on black people and blind people, and when you're both, you get a constant double dose.
For more discussion, join our public Facebook group, (Intersectional Insights).
Credit to purple-planet.com for our intro music.
