July marks the beginning of Disability Pride Month, and we at The Squeaky Wheel would like to take a moment to remind our disabled peers that the mere act of waking up each morning and daring to exhibit pride in their identities is an act of resistance.
That said: So is scamming, conniving, bamboozling, and directing any acts of chicanery at the capitalist institutions designed to oppress us.
While it’s important to recognize disabled peers for their contributions to the community, as well as to thank the hardworking healthcare workers that make thriving disabled lives possible, we can also just agitate insurance companies by repeatedly requesting the maximum amount of medical supplies allowed and then donating the extras to local shelters. Honestly, we DO need all those N95s, nebulizer kits and suction catheters.
“Donating to mutual aid funds is a crucial part of community building,” says local organizer and friend of The Squeaky Wheel Chappell Lift, “and it’s really easy to do with all of the money you save by ignoring your medical bills.”
Other acts of resistance not only include the classics like wearing disability pride pins, sharing “know your rights” posts on social media, and showing up to local rallies; but also committing arson, forming meaningful relationships, accidentally bumping into valuable storefront merchandise with a wheelchair or creating art.
Whether it’s stealing the spotlight at Disability Pride Karaoke night or stealing surplus labor value from an employer by taking an extra mental health day, there are so many different ways to celebrate Disability Pride this July.
Stay Squeaky!