Happy Disability Pride Month!

Articles
Written By Kendra Winchester
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Today is the first day of #DisabilityPrideMonth!

I’m just one of millions of disabled Appalachians. We come from all walks of life, representing thousands of different conditions.

Just like folks outside the region ask me why I’m proud to be Appalachian, I often get asked, “why are you proud to be disabled?” (As you can imagine, I can’t help but give both of these questions a little side eye. 👀)

Just like being Appalachian, being disabled is part of who I am, an inseparable part of me. I don’t have to have a non-disabled body to be proud of who I am. My life and my body, just the way they exist now, are worth celebrating. That’s what disability Pride is all about.

So here’s to all of you fellow disabled Appalachians. It’s our time to shine. Have a fabulous #DisabilityPrideMonth!

Kendra Winchester

Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia, which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women, a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave, and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.

https://kendrawinchester.substack.com
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