Dear friends in the blind and low vision community,

In these challenging and powerful times, the call to rise up and speak out rings louder than ever. Across the country, people are gathering to demand justice, dignity, and the change we know is long overdue. And we, the blind and low vision community, are not only welcome in this moment—we are essential to it. Whether you’re someone who’s been in the trenches of advocacy for years, or you’re just now feeling the spark to get involved, this letter is for you. It’s a call to action and a roadmap to ensure that your voice is heard, your power is honored, and your safety is always front and center.

Showing Up In-Person: Safety First, Power Always

Attending a protest can be a deeply moving and empowering experience. But it’s important to do so in a way that centers your access, preparedness, and peace of mind.

1.     Make a Plan.

• Learn the route and timeline of the protest in advance.
• Reach out to organizers to ask if accessibility support or volunteer guides are available.
• Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
• Bring water, ID, emergency contact info, medications, and a mask.

2.     Go with a Trusted Person or Group.

• Partner with someone who knows your needs.
• Establish a meetup spot in case of separation.
• Use check-in tools like Find My iPhone or Life360.

3.     Bring Tech That Works for You

• Keep your phone charged and bring a power bank.
• Use apps like Aira Explorer Be My Eyes to assist with navigation or reading signs.

4.     Know Your Rights

• Learn your legal rights as a protestor and a person with a disability.
• Practice short scripts to communicate access needs, like: “I’m blind and need space to move safely.”

For Guide Dog Handlers: Keeping Your Teammate Safe

If you’re a handler and your guide dog is part of your protest experience, your bond is your strength—but preparation is key.

• Know your dog’s limits. Loud noises, crowd energy, and high temperatures can be stressful. Trust your dog’s behavior to guide your choices.
• Bring water and a collapsible bowl. Hydration for both of you is essential.
• Use a cooling mat or vest if you’re in a hot area.
• Be mindful of hazards like broken glass or dropped food—keep paws safe with booties if needed.
• Know when to leave. If your dog seems overwhelmed, prioritize their well-being and step away. That doesn’t mean your protest ends—it just changes form. Your guide dog gives you independence. Protecting their safety is another form of protest: a powerful act of love and solidarity.

Protest Isn’t One Size Fits All: Alternatives that Matter.

• Not everyone can—or should—be out in the streets. That doesn’t mean your voice is any less important. In fact, it may be even more strategic.
  Join virtual actions like online teach-ins, livestreamed rallies, and Twitter storms.
• Write letters to your local newspaper, elected officials, or organizing groups.
• Host or join Zoom-based discussions, advocacy trainings, or creative storytelling events.
• Use your talents: whether it’s writing, art, speaking, music, or community outreach—let your gifts fuel your resistance.

You’re not alone. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and Blind LGBT Pride International, as well as countless grassroots organizers, are already paving the way. When you join their efforts—even from home—you’re not only advocating for your rights, you’re helping drive the entire movement forward. Your energy fuels change for our whole community and beyond. Be Seen, Be Heard—In Your Way.

Marching on the National Mall, gathering outside courthouses, or standing on the steps of your city hall is unforgettable. If you have the time, stamina, and support, these moments can be life changing. But protest doesn’t only happen in those places. It can happen in your kitchen, on your phone, through a letter, or behind a microphone. You don’t need permission to be powerful. You only need a little passion, a little creativity—and your truth.

In Closing, you Belong in This Movement. Let no one tell you otherwise: this moment belongs to you, too. Whether you show up with a guide dog at your side, a screen reader in your hand, or your voice echoing through online channels—you are part of the heartbeat of change. You don’t need to see the crowd to feel the power of collective action. You just need to be there, in whatever way is right for you.

With strength, solidarity, and love; with your Community, your Movement, and your Voice; exercising your power to protest comes in many ways in many forms. Safety first… Passion always… Your story and your truth! Collective action is like a grand chorale performance. Every voice is unique, and every voice is needed, but as every voice blends in the harmony, the power bills and the song cannot be ignored!

Yours,
Anthony Corona
He/Him
Host and Producer of Sunday edition

For more information about Sunday Edition, send Anthony a message at sundayeditionac@gmail.com

To know more about what BPI is doing to help fight the good fight, visit us at bpi.gay or send us a message at media@blindlgbtpride.org.

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Remember, in these trying times, we are stronger together than we are apart.

Below is the note from your Advocacy Committee chairs Tristan Snyder and Tai Tomasi regarding the first community meeting:

The BPI advocacy committee is pleased to announce that we will be holding community meetings alternating weekly on Tuesday and Sunday evenings. Information for our first meeting is below:

Who: blind LGBTQIA plus folx and Allies

What: the building blocks of local community

Where: Zoom (Check the announce list for meeting information.)

When: Tuesday March 4, 8:00 PM Eastern, 5:00 PM Pacific

Why: Are you struggling to make sense of everything that is going on in the world? Are you feeling overwhelmed and looking for community? Join like-minded people to learn how to connect with local resources, get involved with advocacy, and cultivate Hope in these difficult times. If you feel moved, let us know what you think the needs of the Blind LGBTQIA plus community are. What can the Blind pride international advocacy committee do for you, and our community as a whole? What topics would you like to see the advocacy committee cover?

If you have questions or concerns, please email: advocacy@blindlgbtpride.org

The post BPI Advocacy Committee Holds First Community Call on March 4, 2025 appeared first on Blind LGBT Pride International.