06 2 Closets; Disability & Gays
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This article is from the Essays on the topic of Women and Disability.
06 2 Closets; Disability & Gays
Coming Out of Two Closets
by Jane Field
I feel it is very important for dykes and gay men with
disabilities to be "out" in terms of both their disability and
their sexual orientation. The other day someone remarked to me
that there are a number of people with disabilities,
particularly paraplegic men, who attempt to "pass" in the non-
disabled world, who want nothing to do with disability groups,
especially consumer-run groups. I chuckled a bit at the picture
that this conjured up in my head of people in wheelchairs
covered with trench coats, furtively wheeling around, attempting
to hide their disability.
Of course people who have invisible disabilities are more able to
hide their disabilities, if they choose to do so. It's a bit
ridiculous for a wheelchair user like myself to consider hiding
the fact. But it leads me to wonder why I would want to. Why
wouldn't I want people to know that I have a disability, that I
accept it as part of who I am and that I am proud of who I am?
Why wouldn't I want anyone to know that I confront physical and
attitudinal barriers every day of my life and that I identify
with strong individuals who are part of the disability rights
movement? And why would I deny myself the opportunity to be part
of consumer-driven groups like the DisAbled Women's Network?
I don't hide my disability and I don't "overcome" it either. It's
just something I live with. I am not handicapped. Society is
handicapped when it shuts out people like me. I am not
physically challenged. Tri-athletes and mountain climbers are
physically challenged. And I'm certainly no more differently-
abled than anyone is from anyone else. No. I just simply have a
disability. I don't deny it, or hide it. I'm "out."
Being "out" as a person with a disability is a conscious choice,
whether or not one's disability is visible. For the way others
view us is closely connected with the way we view ourselves.
Choosing to see disability as a part of who we are and
recognizing our strengths and abilities, is all part of "coming
out." Realizing that having a disability is not a negative
thing, is an important first step in this process.
My disability is only one part of me. I am also a lesbian, and as
a lesbian, I am also "out." It took me a while to come to terms
with my sexuality, just as it did for me to accept my disability.
I am proud of being a lesbian and I see my sexuality as a very
important part of who I am. I wonder why I wouldn't want people
to know that. Why wouldn't I want people to know I am actively
involved in the struggle for lesbian and gay rights?
Recently, I met two women in North Bay who thought that they had
never met a lesbian. They said, "Of course you have those kinds
of people in Toronto, but we don't have any in North Bay." Not
only were they astonished to learn that I was a lesbian, but they
were also greatly surprised when I told them that I could
introduce them to at least two lesbians who lived right in North
Bay. Their eyes opened even wider when I continued: "Maybe you
don't know these lesbians are right here in your own community,
because they don't feel it's safe for them if people know. And
what is it about your little community that would make them feel
that way?"
It makes me feel very sad that for many lesbians the closet is
safer than the community. And people won't change their
attitudes if they continue to think they are not affected. The
"we don't have that problem here" mentality leads to isolation,
misunderstanding, stereotypes, and prejudices.
We must be "out" both in terms of our sexuality and our
disability, so that people will know that we do belong and that
we occupy a rightful place in the community as a whole--not just
in the disabled community, or in the lesbian community.
Sometimes, however, we are not "invited" to be part of our own
gay community. This happens when events are not accessible, when
there are no lesbian bars that are wheelchair accessible, when
only part of a bookstore can be accessed, or when our fellow
lesbians and gay men assume that we don't exist and can't even
conceive of having a relationship with us. We are in a sense
"handicapped" by the inaccessibility of the gay community and by
the attitudes of others. Our full participation as "out,"
practising homosexuals may be limited by these barriers. We have
to do our best to make sure the gay community knows we are here,
that we belong and have much to contribute, if we can just get
in.
Similarly, as lesbians and gay men in the disability movement, we
need to feel validated and recognized. We need to feel
comfortable discussing our issues and concerns as gay people in
the context of our disabilities. This is not always easy either.
Although the disability community may be readily physically
accessed, there are just as many attitudinal barriers and
misconceptions about our sexuality in this community as there are
in society at large.
As lesbians and gay men with disabilities, our struggle lies not
just in being accepted in society, but also in being accepted for
who we are in both the gay community and the disability
community.
I am reminded of a store-owner who once remarked to me that his
store didn't need a ramp because "people in wheelchairs don't
come here." Right! And there is no homophobia in North Bay,
because homosexuals or "people like that" apparently don't live
there! Well, of course they do, but they may not be "out"
because people's attitudes are as inaccessible as an unramped
store. There is no obvious invitation to be "out."
Invitation or not, I think we have to be "out" in all of our
communities. We have to be proud of who we are as tykes with
disabilities, or gay men with disabilities, and invite others to
get to know us.
Jane Field is a former high school teacher currently
volunteering in literacy, lesbian and disability rights
activities in Toronto.
UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA Women's Studies
The Women's Studies Program at the University of Manitoba
invites applications for a full-time tenure track appointment in
Women's Studies at the rank of Assistant Professor. Women's
Studies at the University of Manitoba has a major/minor in
Women's Studies within the Faculty of Arts. The University of
Manitoba also has an interdisciplinary graduate program.
The successful candidate must have teaching experience and a
demonstrated commitment to feminist scholarship. Areas of
expertise are open. Specialization in feminist theory is an
asset. The successful candidate must be able to teach
Introduction to Women's Studies, feminist theory, and/or
feminist methods, as well as curriculum in a preferred area of
expertise. A Ph.D. is required by the time of appointment. The
successful candidate must also have a demonstrated involvement in
community activities.
The University of Manitoba encourages applications from
qualified women and men, including members of visible
minorities, Aboriginal people, and persons with disabilities. The
University offers a smoke-free environment, save for
specially designated areas. This advertisement is directed to
Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The appointment will
begin ON JULY 1, 1994 (subject to budgetary approval). The
1992-93 salary floor for Assistant Professors is $34,882
(subject to review). Salary will be commensurate with experience
and qualifications.
Application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference
should be sent to: Professor Karen Grant, Chair, Search
Committee in Women's Studies, c/o Department of Sociology,
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 2N2. The
deadline for receipt of applications is September 15,1993.
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