By Yaxuan Wang, Class of 2027

On April 17 2025, DKU faculty, staff, and students convened for our latest reading group session focusing on “Embracing Diversity: Developing Cultural Competence for Inclusive Education.” This session fostered an important dialogue centred on the intersections of disability and LGBTQ+ identities.

The session began with a reflection on the DKU’s recent Disabilities Week, providing context for the ensuing discussion. Participants then engaged with the week’s reading, “Because it’s who I am’: self-determination of LGBTQ adults with intellectual disability”, exploring themes relevant to the experiences of individuals navigating both disability and LGBTQ+ identity.

Facilitated by Dr. Zhenjie Weng and Dr. Yanan Zhao, the conversation covered a range of related topics. Participants discussed current issues surrounding disabilities, including challenges related to ADHD. The discussion then broadened to encompass the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically considering the unique perspectives and challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of these identities. An important part of the conversation focused on understanding and supporting the partners of individuals with disabilities within the LGBTQ+ context. The group emphasized the need for greater understanding, empathy, and inclusive support systems.

The event was organized by Dr. Zhenjie Weng, Assistant Professor of English Language Education, and Dr. Yanan Zhao, Senior Lecturer of English for Academic Purposes, from the Language and Culture Center, and was sponsored by the Humanities Research Center. Student worker Yaxuan Wang contributed to the planning and success of the event.