Show Your Pride in American Sign Language: VIDEOS
By Lawrence Pfeil, Jr.
When we think about the diversity of our Community and talk about inclusivity, it’s most often with regard to sexuality and gender identity. Rarely do we focus on the disabled/differently abled and their representation and visibility. They are often isolated with in a Community that is already marginalized, and if it’s the Deaf Community, there are few of us who are able to sign with them. And although some of them can wear Costco hearing aids and hear slightly better than usual, many are profoundly deaf and cannot hear at all. This can be frustrating and alienating as it is harder to join in conversations. Well, it’s about time we did something for the deaf community don’t you think? We’re with you guys! I said WE’RE WITH YOU GUYS!
The Deaf community is a vibrantly diverse, creative, and socially passionate group, and when it comes to the LGBTQ+ think Popeye after eating spinach. The reason Deaf people are so actively engaged may be that they have been fighting for their rights, community, and even their own language a century long than we have.
It wasn’t until 1960 that American Sign Language was recognized as “genuine language.” It’s also the only visual language in the world with more variations than spoken languages ie American Sign Language is different than English Sign Language which are different than Australian Sign Language. While you can’t learn ASL overnight, you can learn a few signs and phrases to share our Community’s Pride this weekend.
Here’s another very handsome…er um handy phrase from Nyle
And Chella Man has a new book out!
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Recorded it in 1986, Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” became an instant anthem of Pride. It has been covered many times by numerous artists including in 2012 Canada’s “Artists Against Bulling” whose version served as the inspiration for their Deaf LGBTQ counterparts’ stunning music video.
If you are interested in learning ASL check out the Sign Language Center. The two years I spent at SLC studying ASL and Deaf culture was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.
Follow them on Instagram @signlangagecenter
Love Deaf artists? Check out this fabulous designer!
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