Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Section

Each Section elects its own chairperson who will lead the Section in discussions, activities, goals, and direction. The Chairperson of each Section or a designee is eligible to attend the NAD Conference as a delegate representing the positions of the Section members. The Section’s delegate may attend the Conference to represent LGBT section.

History
The NAD Board and delegates unanimously approved a motion to establish the Deaf LGBT Members’ Section following the 2010 NAD conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Purpose
Deaf LGBT Section seeks to improve the lives of Deaf LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and ASL communication access in LGBT related matters including socio-political events, community service providers and government entities at all levels.

Mission
It is the mission of the Deaf LGBT Members’ Section to be a forum for advocating and discussing current socio-political Deaf LGBT issues, providing information and resources and promoting full participation regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity in all environments within the Deaf community and its allies in partnership with NAD.

Membership
The LGBT member section is a way for NAD members who share common interests to work together that this LGBT issues matter to them and assist the NAD in addressing the Deaf LGBT issues. Any LGBT deaf, hearing and straight Allies are welcome to join the LGBT member section by pay additional $5.00.

News & Announcements

National DEAF GLBT Resources

Deaf Lesbian Festival There are workshops where Deaf Lesbians look at ourselves as lesbians, from all walks of life. There are also workshops that focused on health, aging, spirituality, domestic violence, understanding laws, and financial advice. But, we are not limited to these topics. Hosts are often open to new topics and are open to the needs of this small oppressed group of Deaf people.

Deaf Queer Resource Center The Deaf Queer Resource Center (DQRC) is a national nonprofit resource and information center for, by and about the Deaf Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Intersex and Questioning communities (hereafter referred to as the “Deaf Queer community”). This is “the place” to find the most comprehensive and accurate information about this unique community. DQRC was founded by Deaf Queer / Trans activist Dragonsani (“Drago”) Renteria and launched on the web on September 1, 1995. A multi-award winning website, DQRC averages more than 15,000 visits per month. DQRC is run entirely by volunteers

Northwest Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf Northwest Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf was founded on the idea of helping those in need. Since our organization was established, we have endeavored to provide help where the need is greatest

Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf The Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) is a nonprofit organization established in 1977. The purpose of this Alliance is to establish and maintain a society of Deaf Gays and Lesbians to encourage and promote the educational, economical, and social welfare; to foster fellowship; to defend our rights; and advance our interests as Deaf Gay and Lesbian citizens concerning social justice; to build up an organization in which all worthy members may participate in the discussion of practical problems and solutions related to their social welfare. RAD has over twenty chapters in the United States and Canada

Deaf LGBT Readings

  • Luczak, Raymond.  Assembly Required: Notes from a Deaf Gay Life. RID Press.  2009. Print.
  • Luczak, Raymond.  Eyes of Desire: A Deaf Gay & Lesbian Reader.  Alyson Books.  1993. Print.
  • Luczak, Raymond.  Eyes of Desire 2: A Deaf GLBT Reader. Handtype Press.  2007,  Print.