Disabled LGBTQI+ Icons
Happy Pride month to all!
I wanted to shine a light on 3 queer disabled icons that I believe we should all learn about. It is important to acknowledge intersectionality and the various barriers that certain groups might face, whilst also celebrating their achievements and their existence.
The 3 icons in this blog are Frida Kahlo, Aaron Rose Philip and Jessica Kellgran-Fozard.
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo (Mexican, 1907–1954), Untitled [Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird], 1940. Oil on canvas mounted to board. Nickolas Muray Collection of Mexican Art, 66.6 © 2020 Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Frida Kahlo was a bisexual Mexican artist, born in 1907, well remembered for her self-portraiture encompassing bold colours and strokes. Her art celebrates Mexican indigenous culture and female experience. Kahlo experienced many challenges in her life, such as when she was diagnosed with polio and was bed-ridden for 3 months after a bus accident.However, when recovering Frida painted portraiture for her friends and family, sparking her passion as an artist. Frida placed herself in the centre of her art, and did not shy away from portraying who she was.
Below is Jessica Kellgren-Fozard’s video about Frida.
All information is gathered here from these wonderful collections of Frida’s life and work.
Aaron Rose Philip
“I wanted to be a vessel for others who didn’t see themselves in the [fashion] industry.” Aaron Rose Philip, Vogue
Aaron Rose Philip is an Antiguan-American Model, who is transgender and disabled. Philip has paved the way in the fashion industry, at just age 23 she has been in campaigns for Collins Strada and Sephora. Aaron is active on social media, creating social activism content and advocating for disability rights. In addition, she has published her first memoir, became the ‘first physically Disabled model to be represented by a major modelling agency’, and has become an icon and a hero for many within fashion. I’m so excited to see what Aaron does next!
Jessica Kellgren-Fozard
Jessica Kellgren-Fozard is a deaf YouTuber, who creates welcoming content surrounding fashion, disability, LGBTQ+ awareness, and her chronic illnesses. She often includes her wife, Claudia, and their son, Rupert, in her videos creating educational and fun content. One of my favourite series that she has created is Queer History 101, covering topics from ‘The History of Queer Coding’ to ‘Can You Name The Openly Gay Revolutionary War Hero???’. One amazing part about this series is that Jessica includes a varying length of episode from 30 seconds to 20 minute videos.
Jessica also creates content that is helpful for parents, such as a series surrounding ‘Inclusive Books for Children’. With videos for all, Jessica is one of my favourite YouTubers to watch!
These are only a few disabled icons that are part of the LGBTQ+ community, I wish I could show you more! I encourage everyone to support disabled LGBTQ+ people and creatives, and create an inclusive world for all.
Happy Pride Month, thank you for reading!