Belonging, Disability And The Power Of Community

What happens when lived experience becomes the thing that reshapes your purpose? 

In this episode of The Equality Edit, Esi Hardy speaks with Daniele Lul about disability, identity, activism, and the power of community-led change. Daniele shares how acquiring a disability later in life completely changed the way he experienced the world, from the sudden reality of marginalisation to finding purpose through advocacy and community work. 

The conversation explores why disabled people must lead conversations about disability, how intersectionality shapes lived experience, and why inclusion cannot be built through assumptions. Together, Esi and Daniele unpack the importance of visibility, representation, activism, and creating spaces where disabled LGBTQ+ people feel seen, celebrated, and heard. 

This episode reflects on resilience, community, accessible workplaces, and the role organisations play in creating environments where disabled people can thrive, not simply survive. 

Resources & Links 

ParaPride Website & Socials
https://www.parapride.org/ 
https://www.instagram.com/parapride.world/ 
https://www.facebook.com/ParaPride.World/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/parapride/ 

Intersectionality Awareness Week Website & Socials
https://intersectionalityawarenessweek.org/
https://www.instagram.com/intersectionalityawarenessweek/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersectionality-awareness-week/ 
https://www.facebook.com/IntersectionalityAwarenessWeek/ 


00:00 – Welcome to The Equality Edit 
00:52 – Meeting Daniele and the Story Behind ParaPride 
02:25 – Becoming Disabled Later in Life 
04:50 – The Misrepresentation of Disability 
05:36 – Why the Name “ParaPride” Matters 
08:29 – Pride in Every Body 
09:30 – Marginalisation and Adapting to Disability 
13:05 – Learning About Disability Through Civil Service 
18:48 – Disability, Family Reactions, and Public Perception 
25:31 – From Events Management to Community Impact 
38:01 – Lived Experience and Why Representation Matters 
40:20 – Intersectionality Awareness Week and Layered Identities 
49:46 – Activism, Representation, and “Nothing About Us Without Us” 
58:45 – Advice for Employers and Disabled People 
1:15:35 – Music, Influence, and Final Reflections 

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