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A positive social image of disability involves a deliberate effort of all people to broaden their definitions of capability, not simply those who may or may not identify as disabled. I prefer differently abled. My physical diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy is more of a social challenge than a physical one. I embrace diversity by challenging perceptions of limitations as an artistic activist. I am an androgynous female, but I am socially masculine identified. I am a drag king who performs literary art. My character Rio Renacido is a queer poetic boylesque performer. Boylesque is a masculine version of burlesque, which is a classy form of strip tease. This risqué element is crucial since many people with visible disabilities are routinely desexualized. As Rio, I incorporate spoken word and improvised choreography into my routines. Rio has performed as a guest artist for Tuesday Tease, Panty Raid and Mustache Envy of Dallas. Rio was first runner up in one of three local performance contests held in Fall 2013, four months after his debut.
With my troupe Mystical Misfits in the beginning stages, I hope to attract more differently abled performers to tell their diverse stories in performance art. Two projects are in development. Gender Gifted Conversations, inspired by Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, will be an interactive piece about bodies and gender identities. Differently Abled Hearts has a similar format, but its focus will be how people with various disabilities cope with stereotypes and marginalization while living their lives. I want to focus on relationships with family, friends and lovers in Differently Abled Hearts. This piece honors my mother, who has an invisible disability.
I relate to honoring a loved one with a creative cause. My soul mate friend, Carl, who was like a brother passed away in 2009. We shared the challenges of disability, but his challenges were life threatening. Mine are not, and so I live for both of us. I am fortunate to be fully physically healthy and emotionally functional, and I will be closer to full mental health once I actualize my creative goals. In his next act, my character Rio, a blend of myself and my friend Carl, moves beyond acceptance toward aspiration and self-actualization. He is embracing, empowering and educating as a catalyst for change, opportunities and freedom, one word and gesture at a time.
I love the 3E Logo, especially with the words embrace, empower and educate added. I myself have never used a wheelchair, but I know what it is like to be socially defined by my limitations. I want to connect with positive minded, ambitious, educated and active people who are committed to changing the social perception of disability in a deliberate, continuous and comprehensive empowerment movement. Let’s honor independence, equality, transcendence and perseverance, creating opportunities beyond mere acceptance for ourselves and our allies.
With my troupe Mystical Misfits in the beginning stages, I hope to attract more differently abled performers to tell their diverse stories in performance art. Two projects are in development. Gender Gifted Conversations, inspired by Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, will be an interactive piece about bodies and gender identities. Differently Abled Hearts has a similar format, but its focus will be how people with various disabilities cope with stereotypes and marginalization while living their lives. I want to focus on relationships with family, friends and lovers in Differently Abled Hearts. This piece honors my mother, who has an invisible disability.
I relate to honoring a loved one with a creative cause. My soul mate friend, Carl, who was like a brother passed away in 2009. We shared the challenges of disability, but his challenges were life threatening. Mine are not, and so I live for both of us. I am fortunate to be fully physically healthy and emotionally functional, and I will be closer to full mental health once I actualize my creative goals. In his next act, my character Rio, a blend of myself and my friend Carl, moves beyond acceptance toward aspiration and self-actualization. He is embracing, empowering and educating as a catalyst for change, opportunities and freedom, one word and gesture at a time.
I love the 3E Logo, especially with the words embrace, empower and educate added. I myself have never used a wheelchair, but I know what it is like to be socially defined by my limitations. I want to connect with positive minded, ambitious, educated and active people who are committed to changing the social perception of disability in a deliberate, continuous and comprehensive empowerment movement. Let’s honor independence, equality, transcendence and perseverance, creating opportunities beyond mere acceptance for ourselves and our allies.
