July is a month of powerful intersections as we celebrate both BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month and Disability Pride Month. This month, we honor the resilience and diversity of our communities.
We gathered a number of resources to shine the light on the significance of both occasions:
1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Identity and Cultural Dimensions
Culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race, and language all influence how individuals perceive and experience mental health conditions. Cultural differences can affect the effectiveness of treatments, coping mechanisms, and support systems. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate culture and identity into discussions about mental health and mental health care. NAMI put together research findings, mental health perspectives and challenges specific to BIPOC, LGBTQI+, and disability communities to help individuals get better treatment. Learn more here:
2. SLN Podcast Episode 04 – Dating, Love and Sexuality from a Sibling’s Perspective
Sheena Brevig is a creative entrepreneur passionate about exploring the intersection of neuroscience and storytelling. She leverages art to increase dialogue and fight stigma around mental health, particularly for queer, Asian, mixed-race, and disability communities.
Listen to Sheena’s interview on the SLN Podcast (Episode 4) about dating, love and sexuality from a sibling’s perspective. The Sibling Leadership Network Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
https://siblingleadership.org/media-library/the-sln-podcast/
3. Powell’s Books – 14 Books to Read for Disability Pride Month
The staff at Powell’s Books, an independent bookseller serving Portland, Oregon, put together a list of book recommendations that celebrate and honor Disability Pride Month, featuring works by disabled authors and stories that highlight diverse experiences and perspectives within the community.
Check out their list here:
https://www.powells.com/post/lists/14-books-to-read-for-disability-pride-month
4. History of the Disability Pride Flag – Columbia University Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center
Disability Pride Flag was designed to raise awareness and promote solidarity, pride and acceptance. The original Disability Pride flag was created in 2019 by writer Ann Magill, who has cerebral palsy. Ann attended an event for the 20th anniversary of the ADA and was disheartened to find that it was held in the basement and grounds of an independent living center, rather than being held publicly. This experience inspired her to design the Disability Pride Flag.
After receiving some feedback from the community, she redesigned the flag to what it is today. Ann considers the flag to be a product of a collaborative design effort by her and the community. Learn more about the flag’s history here:
https://www.weinberg.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/history-disability-pride-flag