About the (in)accessibility of our society (and therefore also about human rights).
What is it that the world assumes that your head isn't working properly when you use a wheelchair? Why do my wheels immediately put me in the category “completely dependent”? This patronising is pure discrimination! Not my wheelchair, but that imposed pitifulness makes me disabled…
I'm stuck in an abusive relationship. My partner is convinced that I’m cheating on him. He thinks I'm asking too much of him. He systematically breaks down my self-esteem. I want to get out of this relationship, but I can't. Life couldn't be more lonesome…
The PFI-NL Bes Network will organise an online meeting on Sunday the 14th of June 2020. During this meeting we meet the cheerful, little god Bes and explain why our network is named after him. And we will discuss what we recognise in Bes. We close the afternoon with a Bes talisman.
Years ago I was on my way to the cinema with a group of friends. On our way we were approached by someone who asked for directions. No one in the group responded, except for me. That made sense: I was the only hearing one of our group. After I showed directions, they asked me if I was their mentor. "No, we are friends on our way to the cinema." I got an admiring look and the compliment that it was really good what I did.
At the beginning of this year, we discussed at our fourth meeting what we would like to do this year with our new Disability Network. We quickly agreed: we would like to organise activities!
Roll up your sleeves & get started!
At the third online meeting of the Disability Network our (inter)national coordinator Morgana was present. Morgana has updated us on international developments within the PFI, and beyond. As a result, this meeting was slightly different than the previous two meetings.
We know that many pagans and heathens with a disability or chronic illness run into walls. Because it is very frustrating if you can't access the meeting that you really wanted to go to. Because you can be very lonely in the middle of the circle, sitting on a chair, while everyone is dancing around you. Because it is uncomfortable if you’re following the ritual only half, because you can’t hear the speaker(s) well enough. Because it is very painful if others don’t understand what you need to feel safe at an event.
Sunday 15 September was the first online meeting with pagans and heathens with a disability. We were with a small group, but soon it was clear that all participants are used being a go-getter. As a result, we had a very good and effective conversation. The next online meeting is on October 27th at 15:00.
This autumn British Reclaiming/Feri Witch Raven Edgewalker will visit the Netherlands to give a special workshop. During this weekend intensive we offer the opportunity to build relationships and deepen our existing connections to the land upon which we dwell, and the (un)seen Spirits that we share it with.
At the PFI-NL Spring Gathering on 25th May one of the activities was a Community Circle about accessibility and the pagan/heathen community. It was the first time this theme was discussed this explicit at a meeting of PFI Netherlands. We look back with satisfaction at this interesting workshop, where we have taken a first step towards inclusiveness as a matter of fact.