#ki'tay davidson

[a-queer-seminarian]

In a world where our environments are not designed to affirm diversity or natural human variation, people with disabilities are relegated to the sidelines and treated as though our existence is burdensome and inconvenient. Disabilities are often viewed as an “epidemic” or “illness” that requires “curing”.  When individuals are told they should have been prevented or cured, how does that affect one’s perceived worth in society? How does that perpetuate exclusive environments? 

- Ki'tay Davidson, Black trans disability justice activist (1999-2014)

[ogrefairy]

I created this portrait of the late Ki'Tay Davidson for a very exciting project I was involved in with CripCamp! They are launching a fellowship with Adobe that is a program for disabled creatives. You can read more here

[ID: A digital portrait of a young black man. He is wearing a suit with a patterned pink shirt and lavender tie as well as a pin that says "Love Wins". He is holding a microphone and appears to be speaking to the viewer. The background is art nouveau inspired and decorated with forget me not flowers.]

[a-queer-seminarian]

From Ki’tay Davidson in 2013, upon being named "Champion of Change for embodying the next generation of leadership within the disability community."

Undoubtedly, our society is designed for the able-bodied population and only this state of being has been normalized as “correct” and “ideal.”

However, when I reflect on the disability rights movement I am overwhelmed and in awe. The injustices of our society are institutional and it is easy to become complacent, fatigued or entitled; but our community’s ability to disrupt the dominant narrative by advocating unrelentingly is incredible.

Nevertheless, I challenge the extent to which we place the responsibility for advocacy on those designated as leaders or “champions.” 

Advocacy is not just a task for charismatic individuals or high profile community organizers.  Advocacy is for all of us; advocacy is a way of life. It is a natural response to the injustices and inequality in the world. While you and I may not have sole responsibility for these inequities that does not alter its reality. ...

I may have earned a prestigious award, but today it is not really about me. It is about the community and I am simply a singular representative of thousands of people who give their hearts and their time to living a life of transformation. ...

Lead on.

[givingblack]

For the Love of Ki'tay D. Davidson

A revolutionary champion of love has departed from our physical presence. The world will remember his name and ever feel his love, light and laughter. May we collectively support him and his family.

[andreashettle]

On Being a Champion of Change by Ki'tay Davidson, a YiD intern at @HI_UnitedStates Handicap International http://wp.me/p1o5Rw-7D  Ki'tay Davidson was one of seven students with disabilities to participate in the Youth in Development internship program this summer, which placed interns at seven international organizations in the Washington DC area for 8-week internships. All YiD interns share a commitment to careers in the field of international development or international affairs.  Ki'tay also was one of eight youth with disabilities to be honored at the White House as a Champion of Change on July 25.  "Champions of Change" are selected for their advocacy work in promoting the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  In this blog post, he shares his thoughts on the experience.