Actress Ali Stroker recently became the first wheelchair user to perform on Broadway
Women with disabilities may make up a disproportionately high percentage of the LBT population, but their visibility is limited by a number of factors that have long hampered the community. From a lack of inclusive spaces to common misconceptions, disabled lesbians and bi women have rarely taken centre stage. Things are now starting to change, especially with the recent breakthrough of Ali Stroker – the first actress in a wheelchair to perform on Broadway. But being a minority within a minority can still bring up a complex set of issues around identity and where you fit into both communities.
Dating is difficult enough without the added complication of discussing any disabilities you have, whether they are visible or not. When is the best time to talk about it, and how accepting your potential partner will be? “Research by Scope shows that the majority (67%) of Brits feel awkward around disabled people, and as a result they panic or worse – avoid contact altogether,” says Richard Lane, group head of digital, marketing and campaigns at disability charity Scope. Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that 43% of Britons don’t know a single person that is disabled, with just 5% of people who aren’t disabled having ever asked out, or been on a date with, a disabled person.