“Our current systems are constructed to isolate sick and disabled QTBIPOC from one another, especially with the disregard for COVID precautions, as many act like we’re living in a post-pandemic world...[M]asking is an act of solidarity with disabled BIPOC worldwide — a reality I wish more people, both in Portland and beyond, would acknowledge.”
“I coined the term Collaborative Spoonie Model for the way we have been working and building communities and events honoring our spoons...I want people to learn what it is to BE in community with each other, to not ‘throw us away’, and to see what we can do when we believe together.”
“It took years and years to understand that baking isn’t only an art, but also a science. Once I learned more about the science aspect – which ingredients react to others – I was able to enjoy the process of messing up and starting over. I view all mistakes as a learning experience and have been able to develop amazing recipes with that mindset.”
“Healed to me is not a PLACE. We are all on some level on our journey of healing — ON, not toward. As we journey, we learn through trial, error and grace... Nothing I’ve ever been through, no matter how painful, has ever been wasted because without fail, I’ll meet someone who will benefit from my personal experience.”
2023 was relatively low-key here, which could be considered a mild success by disabled standards. By mainstream productivity or financial standards though, it would be more of a wash.
“As a person who is highly passionate about advocating for social justice, I am particularly motivated to create more visibility for black and POC femmes who are disabled and/or neurodivergent.”
“I believe that if all of our basic needs were met and our communities were more connected, that would be the most accessible world. I dream of a world where all people are accepted and we are more connected with everyone and everything around us.”
2022 was the first year Affect operated without grants or sponsorships. Instead, we ran on a barebones $4,687 budget, funded solely by individual and org donations...
“At this point, I have gathered a decent amount of documentaries in American Sign Language. I soon plan to release references for ASL documentaries through a series of Video Podcasts in American Sign Language. I plan to keep developing more ASL programming until all media is equally accessible to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing [HoH] community.”
When we asked for nominations last month, your response helped us give $500 awards to 6 Black and Indigenous community organizers and carers. Our first-ever Community Care awardees include LaQuida Landford, Leila Haile, Natasha Marin, and Simona Bearcub.