Among Friends

✨ Happy International Drag Day! ✨
International Drag Day celebrates the artistry, creativity, and self-expression that drag brings to communities around the world.
At Among Friends, we believe self-expression is an important part of being human. People with ID/DD deserve the same opportunities to explore their identities, celebrate their creativity, and participate in communities where they feel safe, respected, and valued.
Too often, individuals with disabilities are excluded from conversations about identity, culture, and belonging. Creating truly inclusive communities means recognizing that everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves authentically; whether that's through art, fashion, performance, or simply showing up as their truest self.
Today, we celebrate creativity, diversity, and the power of communities that make room for everyone.
Because inclusion isn't just about access… it's about belonging. 💛

Happy Non-Binary People's Day! 💛
Non-Binary People's Day celebrates people whose identities exist beyond the traditional male/female gender binary while raising awareness of the barriers many non-binary people continue to face.
For people with ID/DD, conversations about gender identity and self-expression are too often overlooked or dismissed. Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore who they are, express themselves authentically, and have that identity respected.
At Among Friends, we believe self-determination includes the freedom to define yourself. Creating inclusive spaces means listening without assumptions, respecting names and pronouns, and recognizing that disability does not diminish a person's right to identity, autonomy, or belonging.
You can help make a difference by sharing your pronouns, honoring the pronouns others share with you, and approaching every person with curiosity and respect rather than assumptions.
Because everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.

At Among Friends LLC, we’re committed to supporting as many people as possible, without cost being a barrier.
That’s why our website offers hundreds of free resources, available to anyone who needs them.
Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or self-advocate, support is just a click away.
What are you waiting for?

At Among Friends we aim to provide as many free resources for families as we possibly can. We understand the barriers around pay, provider availability and access, family and individual convenience take a lot out of you. Our resource list is updated with new information monthly and free to anyone on our website!
https://www.among-friends.org/resources
This month we are featuring Kenny Fries, an author and researcher who advocates for representation across literature. In 2020, Kenny received a 3-year multi-project grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to support collaborative projects with artists and institutions around the world, using his privilege as a pioneer in disability arts to foster an enduring connection between generations of disabled artists. Thank you for your work, Kenny. We couldn’t do what we do, without community advocacy.

World HIV Testing Day is June 27th, and we want you to join the movement!
Getting tested is a simple step you can take to support your health and take charge of your future. Everyone deserves the opportunity to express their sexuality with the care, confidence, and safety they choose.
Visit the CDC's testing locator to find a testing site near you, and explore among-friends.org for resources and support on navigating conversations about STI prevention, testing, and sexual health with the individuals with disabilities in your life. 💛

Anyone else?

Acceptance changes lives.

When people with ID/DD are included, respected, and supported, belonging becomes possible—and communities become stronger. 💛

Pride didn’t begin as a celebration; it began through activism and people demanding dignity and equal treatment.

LGBTQ+ history reminds us that progress is built through community, education, and speaking up for inclusion.

At Among Friends, we believe every person deserves the freedom to explore identity, relationships, and self-expression in affirming and supportive spaces… including individuals with ID/DD.

Because belonging matters. 🌈💛