Pride Minneapolis just got groovier with this ASL Interpreter

As I watched this performance today at the Pride Festival in Minneapolis, my eyes kept darting towards the “other” performer on stage. The ASL Interpreter (far right) was not only entertaining but he also drew attention to the need to have ASL interpreters for all public events- whether live or online. Remembering Verna Myer’s famous quote “Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance “, this ASL interpreter definitely had all of us dancing away to the song and his grooves.

Only over the past few years have ASL interpreters become commonplace at public events. They attracted a lot of positive attention during the 2020 Presidential debate, that was the first time that this event featured a ASL interpreter even though over 10 million American are either deaf or have severe hearing impairments. As I researched more about ASL, I came across this video that showcases the founder of the most popular online news channel for the hearing impaired- The Daily Moth.

It's time we gave a voice and a platform to ASL interpreters in our social and online events, as we slowly go back to more and more “hybrid” events in 2021 and beyond.