Unveiling Democracy
Welcome to "Unveiling Democracy," a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Ashley Jacobson, a respected civil rights lawyer, and Syanne Centeno-Bloom, a passionate political commentator and esteemed Instagram influencer. With their shared commitment to activism and social change, Ashley and Syanne dive deep into politics, civil rights, disability issues, and legal cases. Through riveting discussions and insightful analysis, they aim to challenge existing norms, spark conversations, and empower listeners to participate in democracy. Get ready to be informed, inspired, and engaged in pursuing a better tomorrow.
Unveiling Democracy
Episode 1: SCOTUS Rejects Affirmative Action, Targets LGBTQ+ Rights & More
Join host Syanne Centeno-Bloom and her co-host Ashley, a civil rights lawyer, as they delve into the latest legal developments that have captured national attention.
Syanne and Ashley tackle the recent Supreme Court decisions that have made waves across the country. First on the agenda is the Court's rejection of affirmative action policies, a decision that has far-reaching implications for college admissions and diversity efforts. They explore the arguments presented by both sides and the potential consequences of this ruling on educational opportunities.
From employment discrimination protection to transgender rights, Syanne and Ashley provide analysis and insights into the evolving legal landscape and the impact on marginalized communities.
As passionate advocates for civil rights, Syanne and Ashley bring their unique perspectives to the table. They break down the legal complexities and offer their opinions on the implications of these decisions, addressing the broader societal and political implications.
Join them on this informative and thought-provoking journey through the recent legal landscape, where they aim to empower listeners with knowledge and encourage critical thinking about the ongoing battle for equality and justice.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not constitute legal advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional legal counsel for specific legal matters.
*As always, we remind our listeners that this podcast is not a substitute for legal advice. If you require legal assistance, we encourage you to seek guidance from a local attorney who can provide professional counsel.*
11:13:27 Welcome listeners to unveiling democracy. The podcast where we delve into the heart of politics.
11:13:34 Civil rights and the power of activism. I'm Cyan.
11:13:40 And I'm Ashley Jacobson. We're thrilled to have you join us as we explore the intricacies of democracy and shed light on the issues that shape our world.
11:13:50 As a civil rights lawyer, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of advocacy and legal battles in pursuit of justice.
11:13:59 And as a political commentator, aspiring political analyst and active Instagram influencer, I've dedicated myself to unpacking the complexities of political landscapes and amplifying marginalized voices.
11:14:15 Together we bring our unique perspectives and experiences to the table. On this podcast, will they set current events, discuss pivotal legal cases, and delve into the crucial issues at the intersection of politics, civil rights, and disability.
11:14:31 Our aim is to empower and inform to challenge existing narratives and to foster a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
11:14:43 We believe that democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires active engagement. Critical thinking and unity.
11:14:52 Each episode will strive to unravel the intricacies of democracy and inspire you to be agents of change.
11:14:59 Join us as we unveil the true essence of democracy. Amplify marginalized voices and work towards a society that embraces inclusivity, justice, and equality.
11:18:37 This week in our legal roundup, we wanna dive into the monumental Supreme Court decisions that have come out recently because many people are concerned about what that might mean for them and for our country in the United States.
11:18:51 Of course the case that's been on everyone's mind is students for fair admissions versus Harvard and this case involved.
11:19:00 A 6 3 majority where the conservative justices essentially ruled that admissions programs used by University of North Carolina and Harvard could not.
11:19:21 That's horrible.
11:19:14 Use race as a major factor in determining their admissions decisions. Yeah, it's horrible and you know it's interesting too and I know I want to do kind of an overall legal round up.
11:19:32 But in the context of affirmative action. There have been a number of cases like this over the years. I grew up in the Ann Arbor area in Michigan for a period of time and I remember at that time Definitely aging myself a bit.
11:19:48 Okay.
11:19:48 But there was a keys against the University of Michigan dealing with affirmative action. And the Supreme Court and the lower courts have I've been using One legal threshold.
11:20:01 Where they say essentially race can be considered a factor. And the question at that time came down to quotas.
11:20:25 Okay. Yes.
11:20:10 So the courts landed on that you could use race. In admissions decisions because universities have an interest in making sure that their student body is diverse because there are a lot of benefits of course to having students that come from different races backgrounds.
11:20:31 And.
11:20:31 Of course, culturally, socially.
11:20:34 Exactly. But this Supreme Court decision that just came out says we're gonna go and put that behind us because in their mind.
11:20:48 They feel as though. Racial bias no longer exists. Which is just wild.
11:20:56 And to me, like as a woman of color. I'm like, this is mind-blowing because I've experienced, you know, racism, discrimination, in the workplace.
11:21:09 And I don't know so much in school just because I just started, you know, I'm almost done with my associates program, but.
11:21:16 I think it's a privilege. It not I think it's a privilege to be able to say that race is not an issue.
11:21:24 They're living in their bubble and You know, it's just really concerning to me and I feel like we keep taking a thousand steps back first.
11:21:39 Yes.
11:21:39 And jobs, I believe. And then, you know, around the time of it's the one year anniversary that I was overturned now they do this with affirmative action and it feels very much like a slap in the face to marginalized communities and people of color.
11:21:58 I just had to say that because it's really upsetting and Give us, yeah, give us more.
11:22:02 Of course. Yeah, so the one caveat is that they did say that universities could consider race if it's brought up, say, in, in applicants.
11:22:17 Personal statement or an essay where they explain how Maybe their experience living in a certain race. Affected their life.
11:22:27 And so There's a tiny little loophole there, but I'm even concerned as a lawyer about you know, with that loophole, I could see some of the same organizations that kind of spearheaded this case.
11:22:44 Filing more cases and even putting that one caveat at risk. And it's a huge deal.
11:22:49 I was So I was wondering with that loophole, If like a student puts that. In their application or whatever.
11:23:06 Good.
11:23:01 Can't they also use that against the student? Like if they wanted to, cause there's no way to prove it now that there's no you know, not no affirmative action. Yeah.
11:23:11 So I was thinking like, well, what if that happens?
11:23:12 Yeah, and this court. Has like you said rolls back a lot of protections. That in their mind are no longer needed in because you know like I said they feel like Racial discrimination and even other forms of discrimination have lessened.
11:23:35 As a civil rights lawyer, I very much disagree with that. And I represent a lot of people who face gender discrimination, racial discrimination, disability discrimination.
11:23:49 And these are justices that in many respects are distanced. From the day to day. And they make decisions from their incredibly privileged places and it can have real effects on all of us.
11:24:12 And I work with the schools a lot and I represent a lot of kids that are dealing with Ieps or 504 plans or even disciplinary action where I know race is affecting how teachers are treating the students.
11:24:31 How courts are treating the individuals or juvenile justice system will penalize. Students who are referred for criminal charges based on conduct that happens at school.
11:24:46 Well.
11:24:45 And more often than not, students who are black or other people of color. They face harsher penalties that referred for crimes more often and a lot of these cases originate with things that are alleged to happen in school.
11:25:06 And that's just on the middle school high school level. And then you think at the college level, we still have so many disparities in The resources that are allocated to high schoolers based on where they live.
11:25:18 Right.
11:25:20 And them not getting an opportunity or I should say not the same opportunity as their white peers. And to even go to college or get financial assistance and all of that and so I'm really concerned with this decision.
11:25:35 And I hope that people continue to put pressure on on this court and future courts to allow diversity in the classroom.
11:25:45 So I wanna get your opinion on SCOTUS, the Supreme Court. What do you think is next?
11:25:53 Like what do you see them going for next because this is I feel like These are incredibly like. Dangerous times in our country.
11:26:03 Yes.
11:26:03 And I feel like a lot of people are so concerned about who are president is, but like ignore like what's going on with the Supreme Court because they're the ones who can really, I think, hurt us.
11:26:17 So yeah, what do you see? Being the next thing that they might go after.
11:26:21 Well, I'm definitely concerned about protections for other marginalized groups. And you spoke to this a bit in your experience that there's a lot of intersection between race, disability.
11:26:37 Sexual orientation, gender identity. And I'm concerned that they're going to chip away at all of those.
11:26:45 And when I say, They are chipping away. Really it's coming from these groups. These outside organizations.
11:26:53 These actors who are and I don't mean like Hollywood actors like in influential people. Who are funding and pushing cases forward that attack people with disabilities and certainly people in the LGBTQ plus community.
11:27:12 And so when we look at the future for the Supreme Court. One, we have to acknowledge that barring any.
11:27:23 You know, extraordinary circumstance where one of the justices retires or something happens to one of them. We're gonna have These individuals making decisions probably for quite some time.
11:27:35 And. When, you know, Justin was appointed and Brett Kavanaugh was appointed.
11:27:46 There was a lot of discussion from them was appointed. There was a lot of discussion from them about how we shouldn't politicize the Supreme Court.
11:27:55 There was a lot of discussion from them about how we shouldn't politicize the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court should be an unbiased entity that's making decisions not based on religion their own personal religion or their own political beliefs.
11:28:03 And I think that's all fine and well to say the Supreme Court should be one way. But as someone who is trained I have a master's degree in counseling.
11:28:21 Oh yes.
11:28:15 I'm an attorney. I know as you know that personal biases exist. And you can be aware of those.
11:28:25 You can try to address those. But these justices have shown that their bias may be influencing how they're looking at things by the questions that they're asking during oral arguments.
11:28:39 So for example, during what the case that involved the overturn of Roe versus Wade. One of the justices was asking a lot of questions about, you know, Save, basically.
11:28:53 Well, couldn't you just have the child and then place it for adoption. And in that way, that's not a burden on the mother because then your giving birth, but then you don't have to deal with the after effects.
11:29:13 Of raising a child. And there were a lot of conversations about those options that were kind of painted in a lens of that justice's religion And it's interesting to see that.
11:29:21 Yeah
11:29:24 More concerning to me. Is that they don't appear to be aware of their own biases. Which is really dangerous.
11:29:33 Yes.
11:29:34 And so looking forward out of their cases. You know, they recently decided a work place accommodations decision.
11:29:41 Where there was an employee for the post office and the postal service. And this employee was hired in a position that would not originally work on Sundays.
11:29:54 And that was important to this employee because that was the day of rest. And that was the day of reflection and Along the way, this employee.
11:30:06 Had the schedule changed. And where There were Sundays that he was expected to work. And this became a really big issue.
11:30:16 So at first his employer said, We'll get someone to cover your chefs. Whenever possible.
11:30:26 Hey, right?
11:30:22 But You and I know you can't always find someone to cover your shifts and so it the issue remained.
11:30:29 And the Supreme Court recently made a huge change in saying that such an accommodation for religion. Is not an undue burden on the employer.
11:30:41 And so that accommodation of having the Sunday off. Should be allowed. And as someone who's worked on employment cases, I definitely was not surprised that for religious accommodations they would allow this based on this court.
11:30:58 And I'm hopeful that they will do and the fair thing and extend that. To people with disabilities.
11:31:07 Who have for a very long time requested accommodations and not received them appropriately.
11:31:13 No, exactly. And it's like we saw the world accommodate non-disabled people during the pandemic and now we're seeing them accommodate them again and we can't even get the most basic.
11:31:27 Access or accommodations anywhere. But especially like the workplace. That's why so many people with disabilities are unemployed.
11:31:38 Yes, exactly. And there Is again just a lack of understanding that when they make decisions that Really destroy.
11:31:49 Affirmative action.
11:31:53 And. At the same time. Give more. Empowerment to people based on religion.
11:32:04 They're saying we don't wanna protect people from racial discrimination. We don't wanna protect people from disability discrimination.
11:32:12 But on the other hand, we're going to protect people based on religious discrimination. And so it seems very one sided because our court right now is one sided.
11:32:24 Yes.
11:32:25 And I hope that and I know that there are many many wonderful attorneys out there that help people. Press the Supreme Court.
11:32:35 To be fair across the board. But I'm concerned about that. There is a disability.
11:32:41 Related case coming up, with this Supreme Court. Where they are going to be deciding about tester cases.
11:32:51 And that's kind of a. A term that I don't entirely agree with because I think it's misleading, but the argument from this hotel chain.
11:33:02 Is that Someone who brings a case against. A business for not being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
11:33:14 Maybe their website isn't accessible. Maybe their entrances aren't accessible. Maybe they don't have accessible hotel rooms.
11:33:20 So that you can't get your wheelchair through the door or if you our death and you need a room where there is a light based alarm or a light based emergency system.
11:33:36 Those hotels and many businesses. As you know, have been required by law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in some cases the rehab act.
11:33:50 And with state level. Disability discrimination loss. And when businesses are not compliant, sometimes you see cases brought by people.
11:34:03 Who have not been able to actually book and stay at that hotel. But they want the opportunity to. And they want other people with disabilities to have the opportunity to.
11:34:16 And so those people have been labeled as testers who bring tester cases or they say I'm going to test this business's compliance with the ADA.
11:34:27 Hmm.
11:34:27 Even though I haven't necessarily. Used that businesses services or even you use that product. And the court, I'm very concerned.
11:34:40 Will say that these individuals don't have standing. To bring the case because they haven't been personally harmed.
11:34:52 Okay.
11:34:49 And as a disabled woman myself. And as a civil rights lawyer that often represents people with disabilities.
11:35:00 My belief is that Businesses should comply with the law. Regardless, what is the point?
11:35:11 No, literally. I completely agree and they just continuously get away. With not accommodating and that's my experience.
11:35:19 Like I want to tell you a quick story if I could about my experience in a hotel. Well, several hotels, but I go to New York City a lot for modeling work.
11:35:29 Every time I go there, I call, you know, I call ahead of time. I'm like, I needed I needed a wheelchair accessible room.
11:35:36 I need to be able to get in the shower. I need to be able to have a seat in the shower.
11:35:41 Do you have that? And they say, oh yeah, yeah, we're accessible. Well, guess what?
11:35:47 I get there. And I go to the front desk. And I say. Does it have an accessible shower?
11:35:56 And they say, oh yeah, it's ADA. It's a roller shower.
11:35:59 And I said, And I say, do you have? A chair for the shower though because I mean I need somewhere to sit and they're like Oh no, we don't do that.
11:36:09 We don't carry shower chairs. And I'm just like, so what do you want me to do?
11:36:12 Well, can't you shower in your? Wheelchair? And this happens all the time and I'm like First of all, WTF secondly like like this is a power chair.
11:36:26 And it's really concerning. That they were so dehumanized in that way, right?
11:36:33 Yeah.
11:36:33 And you know what I did that for one of those cases? I was like, all right, then I'm gonna take this office chair and I rolled it into, well, my husband did.
11:36:44 He rolled it into the shower and he said well since they don't have a shower chair or anything.
11:36:48 Then you're gonna shower in this, but it's so dangerous, you know, an office chair has wheels like.
11:36:53 Yes.
11:36:55 That's a lawsuit and these are things that I see all the time and when I've had an where I've reported.
11:37:01 This to the Civil Rights Office. I get an email back saying, well, we don't have the resources but you can sue them yourself and I'm like suing is a privilege.
11:37:12 Right. Absolutely.
11:37:13 So that's. This whole thing with the testers and all that and it's like you're just making it worse for us.
11:37:22 Yes, and That's where I think this Supreme Court has gotten it wrong on a number of occasions because they cannot Satham.
11:37:34 That you can be harmed. Bye lack of access alone. And they, they don't seem to understand that the experience of being discriminated against.
11:37:46 Is a harm in itself. The lack of opportunity, the different treatment, your knowledge of this hotel doesn't value me enough.
11:37:56 Doesn't value my community enough. To be compliant with the law. And so I need to put myself in a position of harm, which you know because you are also very active in the disability advocacy community as am I and when we are forced to put ourselves in a position to have more significant harm.
11:38:18 That can be life or death for some people.
11:38:20 Yes, absolutely.
11:38:22 And so that's a big concern that I have that these tests are. Going to affect. Millions of disabled people.
11:38:33 From suing to gain access, which like you said is a privilege in itself in being able to find a lawyer to work with you, and get the financial support to do so.
11:38:44 And. It seems so incredibly unjust. That there would be these. Intentionally broad laws to provide protections to marginalized communities.
11:38:59 For valid reasons.
11:39:02 And that the court would find ways around upholding them. And so that's one of my concerns.
11:39:11 And then even tied to that. We're seeing a lot of politicians attacking DEI efforts. And even trying to outlaw diversity, equity and inclusion.
11:39:24 Courses and programs and trainings. At university is. At public schools at the lower level. And so we're removing a affirmative action essentially.
11:39:38 Where threatening disability rights. We're removing reproductive rights. We're taking away the opportunity.
11:39:50 To enforce your rights and hold violators accountable. And then we're also taking away Vital education.
11:39:59 To prevent discrimination from happening again.
11:40:04 I mean, can't we see that this is so incredibly calculated right in front of us? It's happening.
11:40:19 Yeah.
11:40:12 And the thing is that people, they're keeping people having to work so much just to live so they can't keep up with this or you know what I'm saying like that's why I think this show is so important because people don't have the time to research all this that.
11:40:26 You kind of have to be an expert or a lawyer to know.
11:40:30 Yeah, and I will say too, it's even scarier is that There are all of these little laws.
11:40:39 Around the country. That will never be on the news. That are pushed through pretty quietly. Or that are old laws that need to be changed.
11:40:52 But no one has the time, the money, the energy to fight it and change it. Or the politicians are scared to take a stance on it.
11:41:02 And so that's why it's super important. And like you said, I'm so glad that anybody who listens to this will get a good background on these major legal cases.
11:41:13 But also know that It's so important to look at your local level as well and your state level because when I tell you there even with Roe v wait overturn maybe especially with that being overturned maybe especially with that being overturned.
11:41:31 There are a lot of laws to overturn maybe especially with that being overturned. There are a lot of laws being pushed that affect people with disabilities right to engage in modern romantic relationships.
11:41:37 That deal with conservative conservativeships and guardianships. And, the separate reproductive rights.
11:41:45 For the disability community. And so, it's really necessary to stay on top of it and to be active wherever you can so that your voice is heard.
11:41:58 I agree and I saw this thing online and I wanted to get your opinion on it too. It said that they someone said that they think conservatism should be classified.
11:42:10 As a hate group. And I agree with them. And I'll put the creator's name when I find it in, you know.
11:42:20 Yeah.
11:42:21 Underneath the episode. But I was like, wow, why haven't I ever thought of it that way because they're attacking DEI.
11:42:30 They are attacking affirmative action. You know, all these things are what affect marginalized communities. And not only that, they're scapegoating.
11:42:39 And not only that, they're scapegoating, you know, like LGBTQ, you know, like LGBTQIA plus people, they're scapegoating, you know, like LGBTQ I plus people, they're immigrants, particularly Bipoc immigrants.
11:42:47 Yeah.
11:42:48 And what do you think about that the idea that conservatism is should be defined as a hate group?
11:42:56 Yes, interesting because you and I are around the same age and
11:43:03 You know, growing up.
11:43:06 Conservative seemed to me. As a privileged individual. Who came from a family that at least for the majority of my life was pretty.
11:43:19 Financially safe. And this white and Conservative seemed back in those days to be quite different. Then what they are now.
11:43:32 And it's you know, and me singing that. I'm wondering though if it really was different back then.
11:43:41 Or if that was just what I believed because it was what I was around. I've never been a conservative.
11:43:48 I've always been pretty progressive. But When we're looking at identifying. Hate within a group.
11:43:57 I think there's a strong case to be made. Any group, whether political in nature or not.
11:44:04 That attacks the rights of people who are not like them. Needs to take a really hard look. Why they're doing that and what their motives are.
11:44:15 And how they might be complicit. In furthering an extreme agenda. And so Very often. I represent people from like a lot of different political groups, but I would say more often than not.
11:44:30 I usually represent people who are pretty progressive because they face discrimination and they want to address that in the courts.
11:44:48 Yeah.
11:44:39 But sometimes I'll hear people say, well, I'm conservative because I'm worried about like taxes or I'm worried about you know the state tax or I'm
11:44:52 I hear that all the time I have family, a lot of family that I love dearly who are conservative and but the thing is that they don't have the time to keep up with us and they're being fed, you know, propaganda by the far right.
11:45:06 Yeah, exactly. And I think in those cases, like when I was growing up. And how I viewed Republicans and conservatives and moderates.
11:45:19 You know, I think a lot of it has to do with back then, lack of information and lack of transparent, transparency between the parties.
11:45:29 But also now misinformation on social media. And you can find any opinion to validate. Your beliefs.
11:45:39 And you can really do a deep dive on that. And then get sucked into this hole. And so even when I'm reading new stories.
11:45:48 Even if those posts are agreeing with what I believe to be true. Or maybe they're left cleaning or more progressive.
11:45:57 I still look at the source.
11:45:59 Exactly.
11:46:01 And that's so important because I feel like I can't stand in my beliefs. If I'm not doing the research to back those up.
11:46:09 And I know everyone doesn't have a lot of time nowadays to do that. But it does concern me.
11:46:15 You know II am disabled. And I see a lot of disability discrimination with my clients and like I said, a lot of racial discrimination and I'm seeing a ton lately.
11:46:27 Of LGBTQ plus discrimination. And what I wanna say to a lot of people. You know, in 20.
11:46:38 16. I was in law school. When Trump was elected. And I said to some of my classmates that as a disabled woman, I'm really concerned.
11:46:53 Because my health insurance is not a given at the time. He was very much like We're gonna repeal the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.
11:47:03 And for me as someone with a pre-existing condition that was obviously a huge concern.
11:47:11 And it kind of struck me the wrong way. Of course, these weren't like my close friends in law school who were amazing and very supportive.
11:47:21 But other people, I would hear them remark like, Well, you're being dramatic. And I'm like, if I don't take my medication.
11:47:33 Yeah.
11:47:29 I could die. Like, you know, and back then it was like Rovi Weigh being overturned.
11:47:37 Was just this hyper vigilance and overreaction and oh everyone was irrational who worried about that.
11:47:44 But when it comes to reproductive rights, when it comes to disability rights, and even protections against racial discrimination and gender based discrimination.
11:47:56 Those were implemented. Not that long ago in the context of our country and our history.
11:48:01 Exactly. And as a historian, I see patterns repeating in our time. And that's why it's so scary going back to when Trump was elected.
11:48:14 I remember I was trying to stay up to see the result. I fell asleep with the TV on. I woke up.
11:48:21 I saw him when I started crying. I woke my husband up and people thought I was being Ridiculous.
11:48:28 But Look what's happening. They said, oh, that's never going to happen. We saw that with abortion.
11:48:33 Oh, well, they're just leaving it up to the states. And now they're saying they want to criminalize people for helping people in other states get aortions.
11:48:42 And It's like this reminds me so much of, dictators. In, you know, different countries.
11:48:52 Where, for example, Hitler, he would, he would say like, you know, oh, the problem is Jewish people.
11:49:01 And people and people were concerned like, oh, they're gonna, they're gonna. You know, hurt us, they're gonna hurt the Jewish people and the same reaction from the Arians was.
11:49:12 Well, no, no, you're just, you know, that's not at all what's gonna happen.
11:49:16 And then we see it happen and that's why this is also so scary. Because right now there's a new scapegoat all the time, but.
11:49:22 The scapegoat right now that I see is LGBTQ.
11:49:27 100%. Yeah, and Someone very close to me who's near and dear to my heart is a member of that community and when Same sex marriage was legalized.
11:49:43 Again, not that long ago. It was a really emotional moment for that person and for me. And.
11:49:52 It was such a joyous occasion. And it hurts my heart.
11:49:59 Now there are many people and organizations. Because it's not just the trolls on social media, everyone.
11:50:08 This is a concerted effort. You know, there are people with a lot of money. And a lot of prominence in this country.
11:50:17 That are trying to change our societal attitude towards members of that community. And it's fascinating and terrifying.
11:50:27 To see how much that is changed from like 2015 to today. Because now there is such a criminalization.
11:50:40 Of anybody who's in that community, especially trans people.
11:50:43 Look at this. Yeah, look at what this is doing.
11:50:47 Exactly. And the book bands are a distraction that sees into that narrative, but they're important to address too because If we're actively trying to limit What we learn and who we learn about.
11:51:04 And say that this isn't normal. Then people will treat you differently because they think that you are not normal.
11:51:13 There it is, yep.
11:51:15 So it's really scary and I believe it was Clarence, Thomas. And who in other opinions recently that kind of overturned.
11:51:29 Has hinted about rolling back same sex marriage and other LGBTQ rights. Okay.
11:51:37 And also they talked about doing that with interracial marriage.
11:51:42 Yes, and Again, people might be listening to this and think. That would never happen.
11:51:52 Well, let's see what's happened so far, right? I mean.
11:51:56 I definitely believe in following the evidence. As an attorney. And certainly attorneys can make arguments on both sides because that's what we're paid to do and I get it.
11:52:09 But. To me, the evidence is clear that. Definitely LGBTQ plus rights are being attacked.
11:52:18 And I also think that that's kind of the flashy. Attack that they're doing in that it's garnering a lot of attention as it should and a lot of concern.
11:52:31 But behind that. They're also attacking things like disability rights. And that's not getting quite as much attention.
11:52:43 But there's this intersection where there are members of the LGBTQ community that are members of the disability community that some are white, some are not white, and and taking away one marginalized group rights.
11:52:58 Risks everyone else's rights.
11:53:02 Exactly, and that's what people don't always understand. Is the intersection of everything. So I'm gonna ask you a question. What can we do?
11:53:14 What can the average American, you know, our listeners, what can they do to take action against what's happening or, you know, prevent this type of thing from happening.
11:53:25 Well, a few different things. So I always recommend if you're able to get involved on a local level.
11:53:32 This might mean reaching out to your local lawmakers, politicians, even those that are not aligned with your you know, political side.
11:53:44 And you can email them. You can call them, you can show up and request a meeting. And make sure that you If it's important to you, you're voicing your position.
11:53:59 And that you're emphasizing that you are a voter. Obviously voting where you can is also super important.
11:54:08 Making sure that If you have a disability that you're voting place is accessible to you and that if you need accommodations that are.
11:54:19 So unfortunately as we know there are a lot of voting rights that have been affected in recent years too that might affect your ability to do things like mailing in your ballot.
11:54:32 So make sure that you're aware of where you vote, how you're allowed to vote. And that you're talking to lawmakers and making sure they know you are a voter.
11:54:44 And sometimes this means putting into context. For the politicians. Certain things like there are over 60 million US adults with disabilities.
11:54:57 Exactly.
11:54:53 Those are voters. That's 60 million voters potentially, you know, and so If they don't have a disability, they may not realize that they may not place as much value in your opinion, but when you put it into that context, it sometimes can help.
11:55:09 But then also making sure that if you're maybe not physically able to or you don't have the energy to, you know, do those active efforts.
11:55:27 That was gonna be my tip. Exactly.
11:55:20 Finding ways to share your experience. Maybe on social media. I found that to be really helpful. Yeah, and that's a great tip because I know for some people they are either really sick.
11:55:36 Or they their work schedules are really demanding. And social media is a great, great way to organize and it kind of a real impact, especially where you are tagging your local politician or commenting on their page and garnering interest.
11:55:54 And so I would recommend that too, but then also.
11:55:58 Never stop trying to gain knowledge on these issues. And like I said, always check your source.
11:56:06 Yes, absolutely. And I just have to emphasize. That Social media activism, it is activism.
11:56:16 Everybody's online all the time. We're always plugged in. So share your story like we see this happening all the time on Tik Tok.
11:56:25 It goes viral. People learn about something they've never they never knew was an issue. So just using your voice is so incredibly powerful and make can change.
11:56:36 You know, the The laws that are going on and the bills that are they're trying to pass and all this stuff so Use your social media.
11:56:46 To talk about your experiences, share petitions, tag your lawmakers. We all have to be involved in some way because What's happening right now?
11:57:00 Will get worse if we don't all do something about it.
11:57:02 Yeah. Yeah, and I'll give 2 quick examples of where that's been the case recently.
11:57:11 One, which I know we're gonna dive into much more is, you know, travel and inaccessibility and travel.
11:57:18 For quite some time the disability community has been sharing you know, damage to wheelchairs and other mobility aids by airlines mistreatment by TSA and Re there's been much more interest.
11:57:36 In ensuring protections for people who are in those positions. And who are facing that form of discrimination. There's also this viral video going around right now.
11:57:49 I'm positive you've seen it, but involving a man. Storming up to someone saying I saw you walk out of your car.
11:58:00 Why are you in a wheelchair? Are you faking your disability essentially? And the person's like, I have nerve damage in one of my legs and he was like Oh, okay, fair enough and walks off and everyone's like.
11:58:12 You know the people who are non disabled see that and they're like well he acknowledged he got it wrong and he walked away and he didn't harass her anymore and like giving him a pat on the back.
11:58:21 But one thing that I love is that. The majority of the commenters are saying ambulatory wheelchair users exist.
11:58:31 Most people who use we all chairs. Are not paralyzed in one way or another, but they use them because of fatigue or balance issues or maybe they need to preserve their energy.
11:58:43 They've muscle weakness and they're ways that disability shows up in our lives that don't meet the stereotypical image of you're paralyzed or you use a wheelchair and The way this man approached the situation so judgmentally, so aggressively, incredibly rude, asking 4, personal private medical information to justify
11:59:09 this person being out in the world. Here's a not okay, but I'm seeing social media in this instance.
11:59:18 Teach a lot of people. That frankly we shouldn't have to teach but still need the education.
11:59:24 Exactly. Yeah.
11:59:26 Your perception of disability. Is not my problem. And I'm allowed to exist in this world in this body with the mobility aids I need.
11:59:37 And you need to mind your business.
11:59:40 Yeah, I know it's incredible. The people claim that so many of us are faking our disability and They don't realize how expensive it is.
11:59:55 The hoops you have to go through to get your medications and you don't get this stuff handed to you.
11:59:59 I don't know where they think we're going. But
12:00:02 I don't think I don't I don't know either and like especially If you're also a member of like a doubly marginalized group.
12:00:12 So like I'm disabled and I'm a woman and I've had a lot of doctors.
12:00:20 Say incredibly rude and demeaning things to me put barriers in my way. And you know that being said I'm still white and there is a privilege with that.
12:00:47 Yep.
12:00:33 And so like people who are, you know, black and disabled. They face higher rates of, you know, Infant mortality and not being prescribed the appropriate pain medication and all of these things and it's like what do these strangers on the street think about our healthcare system.
12:00:58 Credit!
12:00:54 I think they're putting too much, they're giving the healthcare system too much credence a good event like it is not easy to get what you need in this country.
12:01:03 Yeah, I mean, look at insurance companies like they the expenses that Please, you think I want to spend my money on these pills or whatever?
12:01:14 Like, no, I'd much rather be. Traveling or something. You know what I'm saying?
12:01:17 Like. It's.
12:01:16 Exactly. Well, and it's like It's this tired thing of so many people fake disabilities for disability benefits and as a lawyer.
12:01:27 I'll tell you, you're living way below the poverty line if you receive disability benefits. It is not a lot of money.
12:01:36 And then a lot of people can't even work.
12:01:38 Exactly. And you, it's multiple appeals usually for people to get it approved. And it's like a 2 to 3 year process and some cases.
12:01:51 So it's just ridiculous that there isn't a benefit. To pretending to have a disability and if they think people are doing it for sympathy I can tell you When you actually acquired disability.
12:02:09 Exactly.
12:02:05 It's shocking how few people have empathy for you. You're not getting attention. You're just not.
12:02:12 You're not. You're telling your you get people telling you. Well, you're not trying hard enough, you're, you know, yoga this, anxiety this, you know.
12:02:22 It's they have no idea. But I'm really excited. To get into. Disability issues on this podcast and being able to talk to our I guess that's gonna be coming up.
12:02:43 Yes.
12:02:37 In the next episode, because I think we're gonna need a whole episode. For that. But yeah, we'll be talking with Madison Lawson about her activism.
12:02:49 With. Travel and what she's experienced as someone who uses a wheelchair.
12:02:56 And the barriers she's faced and I'm excited about that because people need to know this is going on.
12:03:03 I totally agree. And people with disabilities. Travel, they travel for work. They travel for fun and they should have the ability to do so without facing not just discrimination.
12:03:17 But physical. Harm. And I'm so excited. To talk with Madison and I can't wait to hear about some of you know your experiences too traveling.
12:03:34 I do too.
12:03:30 Oh yeah, I've got some. I've got a story to tell. Yeah, awesome.
Make sure you follow us at unveiling democracy and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to make sure that you know when our next episode drops, and we'll keep you posted.
12:05:43 We'll see you guys’ next time. Thanks for listening.
