During his monthly address, National Federation of the Blind (NFB) President Mark A. Riccobono spoke about the relevance of LGBTQ Pride Month to the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community. He stated that “In the National Federation of the Blind, where many of our members have intersecting identities, we use this as an opportunity to celebrate Pride Month as well.” He went on to say that “One of our (NFB) core values is to foster inclusion. We work to cultivate an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all individuals.” Riccobono also spoke about the NFB’s LGBT Group. This group provides “a place…to discuss matters unique to being both blind and LGBT” as well as mentorship to people who are blind and to serve as a resource. Members can post messages to reach everyone in the group through an email chain. Find out more by visiting the NFB-LGBT Group List webpage. To get connected, contact Sanho Steele-Louchart at [email protected]. The complete June Presidential Release is available on YouTube (at about ten minutes in) and via an audio only version here.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB)’s special-interest affiliate, Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI), is “operated by and for people who live with visual impairment who also identify with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied community.” BPI is known as a group that offers a “welcoming, non-judgmental environment, as well as informative, enlightening, often delicious activities.” These include advice about asking for help, legal guidance for self care, relaxed chats, and more. BPI also produces “Pride Connection,” a biweekly radio program that airs on ACB Media. Pride Connection covers topics such as advocacy, education, and entertainment. The program may be heard during specified times on ACB Media 1, accessed on-demand as a podcast, or downloaded as individual episodes. Read about BPI on the ACB webpage announcing that Blind LGBT Pride International Welcomes You and the website for Blind LGBT Pride International. For additional details about the radio program, visit the webpage for Pride Connection.
