Editor:
This is an open letter to all who organize events, such as Transgender Day of Visibility, and other trans and queer events, locally (“#WeWillNotBeErassed,” Nov. 29, shared on the Journal’s Facebook page March 31 for Trans Day of Visibility).
Please consider folks with accessibility issues when arranging these events.
Specifically, at the Transgender Day of Visibility event, there was no way for folks like me, with a walker, to navigate the tables in the room to be able to sit and participate.
Non-specifically, all the events held on the Humboldt State University are not available for those with a handicap. To attend, we are expected to walk great distances, uphill and down — or pay a price of $9 in order to have the “privilege” of parking in a handicap space on campus.
Clearly, for folks with handicap issues, to be “visible” in the trans and queer programs and events, we need and deserve, accessibility issues to be addressed and available to us.
As it was, I remained “invisible” on Transgender Day of Visibility.
Jesse J. Doty, Eureka
This article appears in Artists Without Galleries.
I’m a disabled person who was at the TDOV event at Rita’s. There was plenty of space! There were several people who had canes and a woman with a walker. There was over 10′ between the tables. It was quite loud in there which may not have been great for people with anxiety or sensory processing disorders. Humboldt State is NOT a mobility disability friendly campus and parking is a joke.
Several individuals with various disabilities were at the event and chairs as well as tables were moved to accommodate those with needs. The organizer of the very event you found issue with is didabled. From recount of those who remember seeing you at the event you remained for approximately 15 minutes and made No attempt at conversing with those in attendants or the organizers who would have gladly assisted you. You were not invisible you chose to be silent in a space that wanted your voice.