Inclusion Includes Everyone

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and stand up for the values of acceptance, respect, and love. For agencies like ours that work in habilitation, respite, and attendant care, Pride Month is a powerful reminder of what inclusion really means.

We are proud to work with LGBTQ+ members, families, guardians, and providers. They are an essential part of our community, and we’re committed to making sure they feel seen, supported, and safe - not just in June, but every day.

Unfortunately, people with disabilities who are also LGBTQ+ often face more barriers to acceptance, understanding, and equitable care. That’s why representation and inclusive practices matter. It’s why we work with providers to support the whole person, with respect for their preferences, pronouns, and experiences.

Why LGBTQ+ Individuals with Disabilities Need Our Attention

People with disabilities who are also LGBTQ+ face compounded challenges. Here’s a look at the data:

• Prevalence estimates: With current estimates of 9–11 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S., approximately 3–5 million identify as having a disability lgbtmap.orgcourts.wa.gov.

• Intersection in youth: Nearly 30% of LGBTQ+ youth have a provider-diagnosed disability; that rate is even higher—33.3%—for transgender or gender-expansive youth reports.hrc.orgthe74million.org.

• Mental health and discrimination: Among LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities, 65% report discrimination due to disability in the past year. This group also faces significantly higher rates of depression (65% vs. 52%), anxiety (80% vs. 66%), and suicide attempts (23% vs. 11%) compared to their peers without disabilities thetrevorproject.orgthetrevorproject.org.

LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities, and their families, confront unique barriers requiring awareness, sensitivity, and proactive support.

Pride in Our Work, and in Our Community

Our agency exists to support individuals and families by connecting them with the right care. That care should never come with conditions on who you are. Whether someone is a parent provider, a professional caregiver, a sibling, or a member receiving services, we believe everyone deserves to feel welcome.

During Pride Month, we want to say clearly: We stand with the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to serve you. And we are honored to be part of your story.

Inclusion isn’t just about access to services. It’s about belonging.