Episode 186A: Disability and Fandom: Part 1

In the first installment of the “Disability and Fandom” double episode, Flourish and Elizabeth get the perspectives of a wide range of disabled fans, including conversations with Rebecca Milton (@melodioustear) and Joan Miller and voicemails/letters from Dr. Paul D. C. Bones, buffer-overrun, Taylor, Wheelchairidan, Hannah, and Sandy. Topics discussed include Mad studies and depictions of disability in video games and the horror genre, how ADHD can shape fannish obsessions, and the difficulties disabled cosplayers and con-goers face with both staff and fellow fans.

This is me waiting for @taylorswift at Etihad in Manchester for her 1st night at Manchester Reputation Stadium Tour.

It was such an amazing night, Taylor absolutely rocked it and I could watch her a million times and still be just as excited.

This night was a big step for me though

I'm living with Fibromyalgia & Hypermobility Syndrome which have taken the majority of my mobility. These are hard to live with, but much easier to talk about.

You can't really tell from these photos but I'm in a wheelchair here. This is the first time I tried to go to anywhere with a lot of people since I have been in my chair. It took a lot for me to even go somewhere like this and nothing else would have made me take that risk other than Taylor.

I also have Anxiety, Depression & a Personality Disorder, which are a LOT harder to talk about. There's a lot of stigma surrounding mental health and that makes it very hard to admit to suffering from these issues, but if you want to see the change then first you have to BE the change

So, as scary as this is, I am trying to be a change, so I will hold my head high, get in my chair and go to see Taylor if (🤞) she comes back to the UK for Lover. 💗

Please be kind.

💗🏹🌈😻🦋

Every day is different when you suffer with chronic illness; sometimes the pain is so bad I cry, other days I find even just being around other people is so mentally draining that I want to lock myself in my room.

Some days are darkness.

But some days it's easier to see the Daylight.

Today is a good day 💗

I feel confident and awesoME! after a trip to the hairdressers followed by a visit to the park with my hubby, daughters & nephew 🦋

Thank you @taylorswift for being such an important part of my life. I've never met you but I know that your music is always there to help me through anything 💗

And thank you @swiftiesofcolor for all of the time & effort that you put into this account and in offering us a safe space to celebrate our diversity.

Sport

Disabled fans 'forgotten' by Premier League clubs despite transfer riches

Premier League clubs have been criticised for spending millions of pounds on players ahead of the new season while failing to provide facilities for disabled fans. Shadow culture secretary Chris Bryant warned disabled fans are being "forgotten" by several top clubs which have yet to make their grounds "inclusive and accessible for all". Figures produced by his office claim seven clubs would need to spend the equivalent of less than 3% of the cash they have used for transfer fees this summer in order to provide the recommended number of wheelchair spaces.

The government said they would act a year ago but as the new season kicks off there's no evidence they've done anything to force the clubs, the Premier League and the FA to sit down and insist improvements are made.

Shadow culture secretary Chris Bryant

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool face litigation over ‘outrageous’ disabled fan access

Original post from Disabled Go News

‘…………..

  Premier League clubs are facing the twin threat of losing their stadium safety licence and litigation over their “outrageous” failure to meet minimum guidelines for disabled fans.

A survey of Premier League clubs by the Telegraph showed that just three of the 20 stadiums currently reach recommended spaces for wheelchair users.

The Football Task…