The side event seeks to bring attention to cross-movement engagements at the intersection of sexual and gender diversity, intersex rights and disability justice, particularly through the UN CRPD framework. We will create a space for discussion around how to ensure that the rights of diverse persons with disabilities are realized while also celebrating diverse SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics). In recent years, we have observed critical mobilization across social movements that have advanced social justice, including through groundbreaking approaches modeled by disability justice activists, and by centering marginalized voices to reimagine pathways to change. We also observe that the CRPD Committee is more intentionally focusing on the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals with disabilities, including as evidenced by recent concluding observations to State Parties. While the UN CRPD clearly embraces rights of all persons with disabilities, it also recognizes the importance of intersectional approach, thus this panel aims at focusing on work done to better understand and support leadership of trans, intersex and queer persons with disabilities and to enhance cross-movement solidarity. We will hear perspectives from persons with disabilities dedicated to cross- movement work who were part of a CREA-led Fellowship programme.
The nine-month fellowship provided an enabling environment to support the production of knowledge resources, art, storytelling, and advocacy ideas that embraced sexual and gender diversity, intersex rights, and disability intersections and connections. The goal of the fellowship was to recognize important social justice work within the disability rights space that is led by trans, non-binary, queer and intersex persons especially in the Global South contexts. We will also hear from advocates currently working at the intersection of disability, gender and sexual diversity, and intersex rights, and create space for learning around how to learn from the lived experiences to strengthen implementation of the UN CRPD in various country contexts. Over the course of the discussion, we will aim to identify common ground, fault lines, and nuances among disability, sexual and gender diversity, and intersex movements, and generate greater understanding and interest in cross-movement solidarity. We will also seek to unpack how LGBTIQ+ movement can be more inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Link to CREATE Initiative- https://creaworld.org/create-initiative/