Actionable steps for Deaf Awareness Month: Educate yourself on language deprivation and disparities in access to information; Shop Deaf owned business; and Support and donate Deaf organizations. Let's move beyond awareness to true empowerment. (3/3)

Follow and support Deaf queer, Deaf POC, Deaf women, and Deaf immigrants. These communities often face unique challenges. Listen to their experiences and amplify their work. (2/3)

September is Deaf Awareness Month. It's not just about deafness, but also about supporting diverse Deaf communities often overlooked. Let's amplify their voices. (1/3)

The ASL education field owes a great deal to the dedicated Deaf Queer community. Their contributions have shaped how ASL is taught and learned today. Seriously, if there were no us, the ASL education would not be as it is today. Let's celebrate and recognize the work of Deaf Queer educators.

Over the past few months, I've been overwhelmed with conference planning, but now that's finished. Whew. The results of the conference include me receiving an award for my service as a board member of the ASL Teacher's Assoc, and I am now the new President of the organization.

“To be visibly Queer is to choose your happiness over your safety” -Da'Shaun Harrison

This powerful statement resonates deeply within me. Though fear exists, authentic living brings invaluable joy. In embracing my true self, I honor those before and offer a beacon of hope for those who will follow.

When you deprive your children of the opportunity to learn that there's nothing wrong with people living authentically, you're projecting your shame onto them. If it turns out that they are different (deaf, queer, etc.), they will live with that shame until they learn that it's perfectly normal.

As Dr. Skyer once said in a group chat, "Solidarity makes fascism bleed." He's right. Simple as that. We stand together. Hands up, and speak up.

I'm proud and honored to work with two brilliant minds, @michaelskyer.bsky.social and @leahoakes.bsky.social.

Here's our article.

Last week alone, I traveled to DC, taught online classes, attended meetings for the ASLTA conference, completed a 2-day training, went to the ACEDHH conference, did a poster presentation, attended an ASLTA board meeting, joined the World Sign Language Teachers' meeting, and then returned home. Oof!

After five challenging years hindered by factors like a new job, the pandemic, declining student enrollment, and college’s financial constraints, I've faced significant obstacles in my scholarly pursuits. One year ago today, my brilliant team and I finally got one going. A good one! #deafscholars