Rockabilly and Pinup events are often held in venues that are inaccessible to disabled people. venues that have stairs and no lift, or the stage has steps up to it, or there are no accessible bathrooms, no seating etc etc. Vintage enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes, abled and disabled and if you ask us we're often happy to consult and make your event even more awesome.

If some very basic accommodations are made I can look after myself, but not having those things can completely ruin an event for me. I've seen other disabled people requiring mobility aids leave ticketed events because they have been refused a seat by abled people who are out on the dance floor most of the night and put a water bottle on the chair to reserve it for themselves for the entire time - so not on. 

I've had people take my photo just because I'm disabled, to show how fun an event can be that even the disabled chick is participating – how inspiring is that! Or ask me in a patronising way if I want to give posing for them 'a go'. On the other hand, I've also had my cane cropped out of a photo of myself and a friend for a local newspaper article...

I'm very lucky that I know just how amazing I am, and to have such incredible friends that I have met through pinup. I've had bad friendships in the past and I still feel the need to apologise for not being able to do things or for asking for things like a seat or a ride somewhere, but they don't see it as an imposition. Sometimes that feels so alien and wonderful that I have to stop and remember that not everyone is a jerk and there are people who just accept those things, those needs are a part of being me.

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- Sugar St Claire -

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