Feeling Connection (Undue Burden)

Photo of artist Pam Price (right) and her friend Eric; Image ID in alt text

NOTE: Please make sure to read important COVID-19 policies below.

Feeling Connection is a celebration of Disabled defiance against expectations around mind/body autonomy and the boundaries of SSI/SSDI. Join us for community teach-ins around relationships, consent/sex, and the SSI/SSDI “marriage penalty.” Then join us for an ILL-egal wedding ceremony & dance party!

This event centers Sick, Disabled, Mad, neurodivergent, blind, and D/deaf folks. Disabled Philadelphians and nondisabled accomplices of all ages are welcome; ages 18+ is advised for the Teach-In portion (see content warning in schedule below).

Part of Undue Burden (Oct. 19 – Nov. 23, 2024), a community archive and event series celebrating the experiences of Disabled people.

Note: If you are questioning whether you are disabled enough, this space is for you. If you are a nondisabled accomplice, this space is for you. This space centers sick, MAD, neurodivergent, and Disabled community members, and we also understand that these identities and experiences may overlap with other forms of systemic oppression and otherness, that some identities might resonate while others might not. We will not police your identity, but rather we create space for exploring these forms of identity and the creative potential of disability art-making. You are welcome here in all your questions and complexities.

Teach-In programmed by Shannon Brooks and Nat Difrank; ILL-egal Wedding programmed by Shannon Brooks.

Revised COVID-19 Policy for Undue Burden events

Members of our community are high risk and severely immunocompromised. It is our collective responsibility to take care of each other. Please follow the guidelines below to keep our community safe.

• High quality (KN95 or better), well-fitting masks must be worn at all times and are required to enter the venue. Masks will be provided for those who need them.
• Proof of day-of-event negative tests are required at the door. Rapid antigen tests will be provided at the door for those who need them.
• For those who can’t wear masks, proof of a day-of-event negative rapid antigen test is required.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend. If you have recently been sick with COVID-19, proof of two negative rapid antigen tests taken 48 hours apart is required.
• Please do not attend if you have symptoms of any illness.
• Eating and drinking must be done outside the venue.
• All events will utilize HEPA filtration.
• If you have questions or need more information, please reach out to hookandloopphl@gmail.com.

Event Schedule

1-3pm: Teach-Ins

Content Warning for Teach-In: Sexually explicit language and materials including images, toys, and worksheets. Learning materials at presenters tables may cover topics related to reproductive justice including abortion care and anatomy.

This is a sex positive space! Everyone is welcome. Please feel free to chat and ask questions to people tabling. If you need time to process feelings that might have come up, utilize the cozy corner where you can find people who are able to aid in processing or answering further questions.

Roam and learn through mini presentations exploring topics of relationships, consent/sex, and how we can work together to expand programs in SSI/SSDI – specifically the “marriage penalty”.

Learn from multiple community organizations stationed throughout the space, including Trans Oral History Project, Temple Sexuality Project, Hotbits Film Festival, Your Empowered Sexuality (YES!), and Community Legal Services (CLS).

A corner will have designated space to process information learned and explored at the teach in where sex educators who are able to aid in processing or answering further questions throughout the teach in.

An ASL interpreter will be on site from 2-4PM.

3-6pm: ILL-egal Wedding

For all ages!

Marriage can have a major, penalizing impact on SSI payments for Disabled folks. How can we affirm our loving bonds with one another on our own terms?

Parker Gabriel will officiate a fake group wedding and QUEEROBICS will lead the first dance together. A dance party will follow, with a LOVE(u)/HATE(u) cover show and music from DJ BINGS BLESSINGS.

LOVE(u)/HATE(u) cover musicians: George Shands, Vinetta Miller, Owen Ahearn-Browning, Jfresh, Karen and Phoebe Dilworth, David Schmuckler.

1-6pm: Photo Booth & Art Activation

Throughout the wedding, take photos in our photo booth designed by Vinetta Miller and add them to our archive installation!

Accessibility Notes

• Please see our access landing page for general access considerations and Covid protocols for events.
• An ASL interpreter will be on site from 2-4PM.
• Printed and downloadable PDF captioning for wedding programming will be available.
• The venue and restroom are wheelchair accessible.
• High quality (KN95 or better), well-fitting masks required at all times and provided.
• Please rapid test before you attend and bring photo proof, and stay home if you are sick with anything. Antigen tests will be provided if you forget.
• If you have recently been sick with COVID-19, proof of two negative rapid antigen tests taken 48 hours apart is required.
• Air purifiers provided.
• Snacks and food may be enjoyed outside the venue.
• Auto captioning provided.
• QR codes available for audio descriptions of archive materials.
• Low sensory areas provided.
• Comfy and larger seating provided.

Share accessibility needs through the ticket registration page, or by emailing Mary Zhou (mary@paintedbride.org). Please share by Nov. 2 to allow us adequate time to prepare. We will do our best for requests received after this date.