An inclusive, accessible city that respects the dignity and needs of every person with motor, sensorial, cognitive, intellectual, mental, behavioral and relational disabilities. These are, among many, the objectives of the Disability Pride Milan (DPM), now in its third edition and held in different areas of the Lombardy capital over three days (15-17 June) full of various initiatives, events, round tables, processions with music. Organized by the association Break Down Barriers, Disabled Pirate, a young association made up of “bodied and otherwise” people, as they define themselves, free and libertarian people, united by the values of self-management and widespread sociability. The Pride Day of People with Disabilities has taken place and will also take place in other cities, for example Bologna, Turin, Genoa, Rome, Palermo. There are several new features this year, in particular focuses designed to give space to reflections especially on the stereotypes induced by ableism, as well as in-depth studies dedicated to invisible disabilities and neurodivergences. To find out all the details of the event open to all and draw an overall assessment, ilfattoquotidiano.it interviewed the founder and one of the organizers Andrey Chaykin.
How did the idea of creating Disability Pride also in Milan come about after the first ever in Rome? Which are the main associations that worked hardest on its creation?
On paper in the offices I am the organizer of the event, in practice I am the “glue” of the DPM which brought together different realities. Certainly the Disabled Pirates of Abbatti le Barriere, together with social spaces such as Cascina Torchiera, SMS – Spazio Mutuo Soccorso, Cantiere, ZAM – Zona autonomi Milano, social movements such as NUDM, Marciona and many third sector associations such as Famiglie Disabili Lombarde, Festival Delle Abilities, Library of the Red Church, Cologno Zero Barriere, Fondazione Idea Vita, the list is long.
What are the battles for the rights of people with disabilities that were won also thanks to the mobilization of many people who came to Disability Pride?
Barriers are broken down every day by the realities that navigate Disability Pride, the problem is the continuous cuts in funds and deconstruction of the welfare state at all levels. The number of people in Milan is in a positive trend. In addition to the fans now, I think of the Banda degli Ottoni a Scoppio which has always supported us, new realities are always added, even very young ones such as the student and university networks.
What are the critical issues that still exist in Milan that people with disabilities are forced to suffer?
Real lack of a PEBA (Plan for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers), in the center there are pedestrian crossings that are outside of any regulations. Accessible and inclusive living, to the naked eye over half of the homes have steps before the elevator. Public transport has improved, but there is still a long way to go for ATM. Instead Trenorth and regional management, let’s forget that there is only one veil to draw.
Do you think disability is overlooked in LGBTQI+ battles?
The problem is the exploitation of battles and struggles, the so-called “washing” phenomenon: “eco-washing”, “disability washing”. However, I feel solidarity and closeness from the LGBTQI+ movements and realities. Even if the issue of civil rights and architectural barriers are two different things, they are still cases of discrimination.
Do we need a “separate pride” dedicated to people with disabilities or is it important to take to the streets together with everyone?
I think people need to return to the streets, not only for Disability or LGBTQI+ Pride, but for all the struggles and against all the injustices that are bringing us into disgrace. First of all against all the wars and the militarization of society that is happening before our eyes.
How are the relations with the Municipality of Milan which gave its patronage to the event?
We will present not only to the Municipality, but to all the fruits of our discussion tables with proposals and solutions to break down barriers of all kinds. Relations with the administration are discreet, sensitivity increases every year, but there is still a long way to go. It would also be nice not to receive the patronage only 3 or 4 days before the event.
What were the main organizational difficulties of a public event like this?
The bureaucratic system is certainly complex. We find the lack of clean public toilets, lack of response of services such as ambulance, conference room. The costs are considerable.
What are the relations of the Disability Pride of Milan with the Council for people with disabilities of the city of Milan?
Some entities from the DPM network are present in the Consulta. Some time ago I was asked if I wanted to join this council for people with disabilities. What is the use of a voluntary body without any decision-making and economic power? This was my answer. I don’t have time to waste on games, consultancy for people with disabilities has to be paid for.
What will be the next stages of Disability Pride?
Even around Milan, realities are starting to develop in individual municipalities that want to do something in the area. A positive signal. I certainly can only greet the friends of Disability Pride Taranto who have come to Milan and will do their initiative in October, like Disability Pride Palermo. Then as President of Abbatti Le Barriere I also have a thousand other projects related to the topic of disability, but not only.
When will the next Disability Pride Milan take place?
The thought is to strengthen a fixed date by finding the right balance for everyone, I think mid-June in 2025, but in an even cooler and more engaging format, that’s for sure.
