Art and Advocacy for the intersection of developmental disability and LGBTQ+ rights.
Drag Queen Buddha
Art and Advocacy for the intersection of developmental disability and LGBTQ+ rights.
About Drag Queen Buddha
Who We Are
Drag Queen Buddha was founded by Aaron Abel to promote his vision of a more inclusive world using his art and advocacy efforts. Aaron describes himself as a gay man with Down syndrome who is not afraid to express his unique view of the world, rooted in tolerance and acceptance of peoples' differences. He has at times felt marginalized by his disability and sexual orientation, but he wants to show the world that despite feeling "othered" by the public, he is a kind and brave individual who has surpassed expectations set by his disability. Aaron's personal motto is, "It's a challenge, not a disability!"
Aaron works closely with his mentor, Mark Felgen, to achieve his goals. Mark and Aaron have worked together for many years on a variety of media projects; including, video advocacy projects for the University of California San Francisco, the Department of Developmental Services, and the Golden Gate Regional Center. In these projects, Aaron has had the role of "actor advocate" using his talents to help people understand important disability issues. Mark provides a supportive person-centered partnership with Aaron that involves community connections, skill-building, project planning, and a genuine friendship that infuses their work with humor and purpose. Recently, they have setup a small print studio to produce caps, mugs, and t-shirts for Aaron to run a micro-enterprise that promotes his art and advocacy.
Why the name Drag Queen Buddha?
Aaron has long had an interest in drag queens and the laughing buddha. So when it came time to brand his website, Drag Queen Buddha, seemed like a natural fit. But it also seemed to fit perfectly with the values of being open-minded, tolerant, and accepting diversity as a source of strength and not division.
We Are Starting an Advocacy Campaign
Join the Drag Queen Buddha Community
"It's is a challenge, not a disability" is about redefining how people see others with disabilities.
Community Exploration Blog
Hi! This is Aaron and this is my community exploration blog. I consider myself an ambassador for the developmental disability community to the LGTB+ community. In this blog I will chronicle my exploration of the LGBTQ+ community and also my exploration of beautiful meditative spots around the San Francisco Bay Area where I hike and reflect on the work I do as an artist.
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