February 9, 2023

I DO! Commit to Disabled Marriage Equality

Posted in: Anthropology, CHSS News, Homepage News and Events

On a punchy hot pink background, in bright yellow writing reads: “‘I DO!’ an evening of humor, activism, and love with PATRICE JETTER disabled artist and advocate from the NETFLIX series, WORN STORIES”. Below that is a collage of images of Patrice, a Black disabled woman in her 50’s. In the images, she wears bright and inventive homemade costumes. In the central image is Patrice and Garry, a white disabled wheelchair user. Patrice wears an extravagant peach wedding dress and Garry is wearing a matching shirt and satin waistcoat, the two are beaming.

Join us for an evening of humor, activism, and love with Patrice Jetter: disabled artist and advocate from Netflix’s WORN STORIES. You are invited to a (post) Valentine’s day event: I DO! Commit to Disabled Marriage Equality co-sponsored by: The MSU Disability Caucus, ReelAbilities NJ Film Festival, and the Office of Social Justice and Diversity.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, from 6:15pm – 8:00pm.
PRESENTATION HALL SCM ROOM 1040

Interracial and gay marriage has been codified at last. But disabled Americans remain excluded from this basic right. The federal “marriage penalty” affects the lives of millions of disabled Americans who can’t legally marry because they will lose their benefits. A new bill in the Senate could change the “marriage penalty” if enough people speak out.

Patrice Jetter – a NJ resident and disabled African American artist and activist, from the Netflix series “Worn Stories” – will be our guest speaker and performer. Please consider attending in support of marriage equality for disabled Americans or bringing your students. Spoiler alert: The evening will culminate in Patrice officiating a mass wedding/commitment ceremony!* We invite anyone in the audience (couples who wish to marry but cannot afford to lose their benefits, any couple who wishes to take their vows or renew their vows, first dates, serious dates, and even just friends) to participate. We hope you will consider participating, if it feels right for you, to stand in solidarity and support disabled marriage equality. The evening will also end in a ‘wedding reception’ dance party! Dressing in wedding attire for the event is welcomed.

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-do-commit-to-disabled-marriage-equality-tickets-524618025637

REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE A SPOT (Virtual): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-do-commit-to-disabled-marriage-equality-virtual-tickets-529486276707

Download PDF of “I DO COMMIT” flyer

*This is intended as an act of solidarity and performance art (and will not be legally binding, obviously!)
**Note: Please be aware, portions of the event will be filmed for a documentary about Patrice Jetter.