Tag: blind

BPI Turns 20 in 2020

BY: Gabriel Lopez Kafati

2020 will truly go down in history as an unprecedented year. A Pandemic that changed everything; from the way in which we greet our loved ones, to the way in which we work. Our country has reached a new low point with regards to racial injustice. We were overwhelmed in a political race in which equality was at stake. Standing tall in proud in the mist of all the chaos is our home- Blind LGBT Pride International, BPI. Celebrating 20 years of serving the intersectionality of those of us who are blind and visually impaired members of the LGBTQ community, BPI continues to be a beacon of hope for all of us and many more!

It was 20 years ago, that Blind Friends of Gays and Lesbians, BFLAG, became a proud Special Interest Affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, ACB. It was a brave and bold action of our Founding Members, and an opportunity for ACB to stand on the right side of history and embrace diversity. BFLAG faced some opposition; but, most importantly, it received a warm welcoming from supporters, allies, and friends. As any young organization, BFLAG had to form its own personality; the first years gave many of its members an understanding of what they wanted the organization to be, for them and for ACB. The foundations were being laid and the young non-profit started to grow.

After almost a decade, the Leadership and Membership of BFLAG, decided that the organization had grown into something bigger and shinier. Therefore, it was decided that the organization deserved a name that was more representative of its mission and vision. The name Blind LGBT Pride International was adopted. BPI showed to be a proud and inclusive organization. It attracted not only blind and visually impaired members of the LGBTQ community, but straight and sighted allies as well.

In latest years, BPI has started a new type of growth. We have expanded in numbers and in colors. We decided to be more intentional when it came to attracting members and leaders who strengthened our diversity. The first sign of this new growth became evident when BPI began to enfold the role of more and more women. BPI also became known for its vibrant and strong presence at ACB’s Annual Conference and Conventions. With a program rich in education and entertainment, and with a welcoming space where everyone is always invited to come as they are, BPI has won the hearts and the attention of all Convention attendees.

The tenacity and hard work of the latest years has particularly flourished during this, our Anniversary. BPI’s show/podcast, Pride Connection has gained the love and admiration of ACB Radio Mainstream and beyond. When stay-in-place regulations were adopted in response to the Pandemic, BPI united us all and invited many more through our virtual events and community calls. We have strongly solidified our relationship with our parent organization. We led a series of conversations to educate the ACB Community in the usage of pronouns and inclusive language. We began a collaboration with ACB to establish a Storytelling Boot Camp for everyone in our broader community to strengthen their self-advocacy skills. We rose up to the occasion, and presented a rich program during ACB’s first Virtual Convention, including a virtual 20th-Anniversary celebration. We recommended a resolution, which ACB adopted, and together, we got NLS to incorporate an LGBTQ category within the BARD platform.

BPI’s 20th Anniversary has truly been remarkable. We have strengthened our presence within our Membership, within the structure of our parent organization, and with the LGBTQ community at large. We have attracted the involvement of new members and we have reinvigorated the excitement of long-time members. The newest additions to the BPI Family represent so many diverse age groups and letters of the LGBTQ community. Our new members and our long-time members have recommitted by taking crucial roles in BPI’s new and existing projects. BPI’s increased advocacy, education, and leisure initiatives have brought us much closer to the core of ACB. We have fostered new and exciting relationships with well-known organizations representing the LGBTQ community at a national level. In short, BPI has flourished exponentially during the last year, and this growth is just the beginning of a new stage in the life of this organization that is turning 20 in 2020!

As President of BPI, I feel so proud to lead our beloved organization into its next stage. I am grateful with our Founding Members for their vision and courage. I admire ACB for having recognized the need to have an affiliate that represented the intersectionality of visual impairment and sexual orientation. I love the family feeling that I get from each and every one of BPI’s members. I couldn’t have a complete celebration of BPI without proclaiming, once again, that I have found a home in this organization. I invite our dear members, allies, and friends to share a virtual toast with me. For 20 years of advocacy, service, and fun; and to many more years in which BPI will continue to promote the awareness, inclusion and well-being of all of us blind and visually impaired members of the LGBTQ community through education, advocacy, and peer-support.

Happy 20th Blind LGBT Pride International!

Blind LGBT Pride Bids Farewell to 2013

BPI Members and Friends:

As we get ready to usher in 2014, it is my hope that this Holiday season has been filled with the best in family, friends, and all that is good and positive around you. Whenever this time of year comes around, I can’t help but reflect on where things are, how things have been, and the future that lies ahead. The past 16 months of my presidency have definitely been an enlightening and enriching learning experience. I will admit that there have been times when I have asked myself what has been accomplished during this time. Though they may not seem like much, our accomplishments keep paving the way for a better BPI.

As with any organization, no organization can exist without an honest representation of its membership. As such, a long and arduous process was taken to ensure an accurate count of Blind Pride’s membership. It was during this time that BPI, along with other affiliates under the American Council of the Blind, (ACB) worked diligently to implement an online database for the certification of members.

This year, Blind Pride’s membership voted to broaden its membership criteria to those allies who support Blind Pride’s mission statement. No matter your vision status, or sexual orientation, we have added membership classes to fit your situation. Whether you are a Regular, Student, Associate, Supporting, or Lifetime member, we now have a place where all are welcome. For more information visit:
http://blindlgbtpride.org/joinrenew-membership/.

While on the subject of ACB, we have ensured a more active and unified collaboration with other affiliates within ACB during our annual conference and convention. Topics covered ranged from federal rights for BLIND and LGBT individuals, entrepreneurship, and successful transitioning for students in all phases of education and/or employment.

Lastly with regard to membership, BPI saw growth with the chartering of Blind LGBT Pride of Texas at our annual convention.

In the area of Public Relations, BPI was consulted by author Brandon Shire who has written a gay erotic fiction novel entitled Afflicted in which the main character happens to be blind. As a result of this consultation, the author acknowledged Blind Pride in his book. Secondly, BPI’s social media presence became more active than ever, thereby expanding the international part of our name both on Twitter and on Facebook. Finally, our web presence saw improvements in hopes that our page is more streamlined. We have even made our site more interactive by implementing a blog where members and the public may post comments. We continually use these powerful tools to gather information of interest for our members on a worldwide scale. We will continue to work with LGBT oriented media outlets to ensure that their publications and services are made accessible to those that wish to have access.

In other developments, BPI was proud to make history as we added a ninth board position, that of 2nd Vice President. We also elected our first international Board Member At Large from Canada. Speaking of elections, following the ratification of amendments to BPI’s constitution and bylaws in 2012, those not able to attend convention were able to vote electronically for the first time this Past July. This is certainly a major milestone for BPI as we continue to provide tangible services to our members.

This brings us to the present times. The past few months have allowed us the opportunity to focus our efforts in fund-raising and programming for BPI. Both the Fund-raising and Programs Committees are working together to ensure a successful conference and convention next year, but also to ensure viable ways to engage in successful fund-raising for the future.

What is in store for BPI in 2014? Looking ahead, we plan to find more ways to implement tools for education and outreach purposes. Our hope is to continue to work with other affiliates within ACB, as well as LGBT related groups in the regular mainstream society to dispel any myths out there, and make people aware of the needs that face this very unique community of blind LGBT individuals. One of the many questions that is often asked by members of the blind community is what does our group have to do with blindness? Anything from access to information to legislation, to advocacy, there is so much that goes along with being blind and LGBT. Blind Pride is the only organization of its kind around the world that represents the needs of Blind and Visually impaired LGBT people. Wouldn’t it be exciting to offer a service where someone can go to, either online or by phone that would provide a centralized information and referral service pertinent to people who are blind and LGBT in their community? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could provide scholarship opportunities for those interested in higher education? Or, an awesome youth mentorship/alliance program that would engage youth in the interchange of each other’s lives? You see, it is awkward enough being blind, but then to be blind and LGBT, trying to fit into a “regular” way of living where you’re constantly having to adapt to day-to-day norms is totally a different, yet challenging experience. This exchange would not only improve social skills, but would do wonders for both the psychological, as well as the educational well- being of our youth.

All of these ideas, as well as any other programs and future endeavors take time, maybe some research and volunteering, and yes, even your much needed contributions. Your donations are very much needed. Blind Pride is a 501C3 organization, and your contributions are tax deductible. No contribution is too big or too small. You can pay securely by credit card using PayPal. Visit
http://blindlgbtpride.org/donate/.
Alternatively, you can make a check out to Blind LGBT Pride International. The address is:
Blind LGBT Pride International
c/o: Guillermo Robles
5010 Echo Street, Unit A.
Los Angeles CA, 90042.

In closing, I just want to thank those who have supported the work of BPI. As I said in the beginning of my letter, these have been interesting times, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Here’s to all the best that 2014 can offer. May you and your loved ones have a blessed and happy new year.

With Much Pride,

Guillermo Robles
President, Blind LGBT Pride International

Welcome to the Inside Out Newsletter – eNews Blog!

The members and allies of Blind LGBT Pride International would like to thank you for visiting our new blog! It is our hope that we provide relevant information to you concerning all things lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)) related. We will have a twist though, you will get the blind and vision impaired take on the issues.

The aim of this blog is to bridge the gap with the broader LGBT community as it relates to disability awareness. We hope you will enjoy reading and participate by commenting and volunteering, donating and becoming a member and supporter!