By: Sarah Gonet: Vice President of Development At BAMSI
At BAMSI, we are proud to support and empower individuals with disabilities and addiction. It’s what has driven our work for nearly 50 years. This pride month, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community we serve – and beyond. Pride Month is not only a time for festivity, but also an opportunity to raise awareness, foster inclusivity, and advocate for equality and inclusion.
According to the Human Rights Campaign – a nonprofit which strives to end discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all – societal norms pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as norms around ability, often work to deny LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities opportunities that others enjoy in their daily lives. In this post, we will look at the intersection of disability, addiction, and LGBTQIA+ identity and highlight how essential it is to create safe and supportive spaces for everyone.
Understanding Intersectionality: The LGBTQIA+ community encompasses individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom also face the unique challenges of disabilities and addiction. Recognizing and understanding intersectionality is crucial in providing holistic support. By acknowledging the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities and addiction, we can ensure inclusive and targeted services that address their specific circumstances.
Promoting Acceptance and Respect: Creating an environment of acceptance and respect is fundamental to BAMSI’s mission. We embrace and celebrate the diverse identities of our persons served and staff and feel that by fostering a culture of inclusivity, we provide a safe space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can access the support they need to navigate their disabilities, addiction, and personal journeys with pride and dignity.
Empowering LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Empowerment is at the core of BAMSI’s work. We strive to empower LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities and addiction by offering comprehensive support, resources, and guidance, including counseling, therapy, and community engagement programs. BAMSI’s goal is to help individuals develop the skills and resilience necessary to overcome challenges, embrace their identities, and lead fulfilling lives.
Challenging Stigma and Bias: Stigma and discrimination can have a significant negative impact on the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities and addiction. By actively challenging societal biases and advocating for change, BAMSI aims to reduce the barriers and promote greater understanding and acceptance.
Celebrating Diversity: Pride Month is a time to celebrate the rich diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community and recognize the achievements and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities and addiction. Through storytelling, sharing personal experiences, and highlighting success stories, we can provide support and inspire others. Learn more about BAMSI”s comprehensive network of programs and services and how you can become involved at bamsi.org. care, BAMSI’s team of trauma informed and culturally sensitive care supports clients on every step of their journey.
Learn more about BAMSI’s comprehensive network of programs and services and how you can become involved at bamsi.org
Sources:
Community Voices for Health 