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Shay Erlich (They/Them)

@shay-erlich.bsky.social
1.3K followers 729 following 369 posts

Artist. Creative Producer/Director. Dancer. Disability Consultant and activist. Living in unceded Treaty 13 territory (T:karonto). Queer, non-binary, multiply disabled. Linktree: linktr.ee/ShayErlich

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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
A funny thing happens when you don’t cast authentically to storylines. I was watching DTF St. Louis and by the end of the series Jason Bateman is signing much more fluently and legibly than David Harbour who is meant to be the ASL interpreter.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
You can tell that I’ll always be a CYC when @wheelimm.bsky.social and I are having a 3 am case conference about how we can best support our dog in success in using her buttons to communicate about her needs and desires.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Today I did the thing anyway. Had a shorter day to help with the energy of navigating inaccessibility. I’m glad I did. The spoon cost was immense, but it was an important room to be in. Met new people, connected with awesome folks I know and shared my excitement too. Wish I didn’t have to choose
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
I never know what to do when something isn’t accessible to me. A lot of the time I just don’t go. It’s exhausting to bridge the access fails. The fact that I do it undermines when I ask for it the next time and someone saw me go without it before.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Something that has surprised me in my work this year is how much I love making video games. I hope that games get to stay a big part of my creative practice moving forward. We are just hitting the point where the game is developed enough to make the proof of concept in earnest and it’s amazing.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
It’s really disappointing to see the only disability content included in HotDocs festival this year is a film about a disabled person dying. Festival juries are more compelled by stories of disabled people dying than disability joy, disability living, disability triumph. We are more than death.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
If you’re a disabled person looking for a sign to stay home today, this is it. There’s a lot of abled nonsense out there in the world.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The community theatre near me is running a rap/spoken word program for youth and I just got thrown back into being a student youth worker. I was working with a young person who loved rap music and making up lyrics so I wanted to go to some spoken word workshops together.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Disability-led space is magical. Rehearsals for this project have been some of the most grounded and healing dance spaces I’ve ever been in. Almost every rehearsal someone has the experience of being in dance space in a new disabled way. And we get to share it with you all next week! Please join us!
 A poster for Cripping The Past with three visibly and invisibly disabled people wearing masks and dressed for an evening event. The person in the upper left hand corner is a femme presenting black person with dark skin and tight curly back hair off to their right side. They are wearing a fishnet cropped body suit with a yellow crop top and shiny yellow shorts overtop. They are also wearing yellow knee socks, shoes and gold jewelry. Midway down the poster on the right side of the page is a brown-skinned manual wheelchair user. They have straight shoulder length dark brown hair, an upper arm sleeve tattoo and wearing a patterned green dress with green shoes that match their green wheelchair. In the lower left corner is a light-skinned cane user. They are wearing a pink cow print hat, fringed jacket, bolo tie and cow print shorts to match their pink cowboy style boots.

The text of the poster reads: Cripping the Past. Social Dance Ball. Free. All Ages. Family Friendly. Relaxed Event (Come and go as you please). Masked Event. ASL Interpretation. Wheelchair Accessible. Service Dogs Welcome. PSWs on Site. Blind/Low-Vision Inclusive. Saturday September 27th 2025. 6-9 pm. The Village at Black Creek. RSVP @ http://www.pushmakers.org/cripping-the-past

Logos on the poster include: Pushmakers, The Toronto Arts Council, The Village at Black Creek, Dancemakers, Crossroads Theatre
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
For some reason the last few days The Pyjama Game soundtrack just will not dislodge itself from my brain. Something about 7 1/2 cents and pro-union messaging seems appropriate at this moment…
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
That uniquely wheelchair user experience of being desperate for a hike, think you’ve found an accessible trail after an hour of searching trail maps and then realize that it was the one that laid the boardwalk perpendicular and your wheels kept falling through the gaps in the boards last time.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Fascinating thread on some major breakthroughs towards an enduring HIV vaccine in our lifetimes.
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yipeng ge 葛义朋 @yipengge.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
I resigned from the board of directors for the @cmadocs.bsky.social in December 2023. I tried to push the institution to take a stand against Israeli attacks on Palestinian healthcare in Gaza. Instead, I learned they are racists, genocide supporters, and genocide deniers.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
I am so grateful for the ways that my biologic meds are changing my life for the better in amazing big and small ways. However, a 12 week dosing schedule is just enough time to forget how knocked out I get for a few days after each dose. A kick to the immune system indeed!
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
The one benefit to being on a super niche life sustaining medication is being able to recognize a clinical trial aimed at expanding the use potentials of your med from 1000 paces. The evils of pharmaceutical greed aside, it would be really nice to have larger med runs produced annually.
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Shannon Hammond @shannonhammond.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Exactly. Nothing without us means NOTHING without us!
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
I think all too often people don’t understand the importance of including disabled people into planning decisions that seemingly don’t impact them. When we say nothing about us without us, that truly means everything. An example for you:
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Grabbed the Citizen Sleeper bundle this weekend and I’m about 5 hours in. Really enjoying myself so far. I’m noticing that more often than not fellow traveller being involved with a title is a pretty strong signal that it’s going to jive with my gameplay values and desires.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Thought of the Day: What about Crip-Platonic Partnerships? Both as something distinct and intertwined with Queer-Platonic Partnerships (Queer-Crip Platonic Partnerships?).
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
As someone who mostly does not love whatever movie/show etc is capturing public attention at the moment it’s so wild to be so enthusiastic about K-pop Demon Hunters. Every reel is playing the same songs we have on repeat in our house. Can we have more values-aligned mass media please?
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Tales from set - We’ve now had 4 separate blown tire incidents across the past 10 days. I’ve gone years on end with no tubes blown and it’s like as soon as you turn a camera on a chair the tube is like “nice knowing you!” In clearly unrelated news - I’m also getting better at changing them myself.
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Fallon | [see pinned!] @fallonturing.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
At this point I owe a few people money that they've covered for me (for food and meds) that I currently don't have. #HelpSky #HelpFolksLive2025 #MutualAidRequest #MutualAid #TransCrowdfund #DisabilityCrowdfund
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Disability Justice Network of Ontario @djno.ca · 07/07/2025
Today, our focus is on Regulated Professions--if you're a disabled teacher, nurse, doctor, or other worker regulated by a College or other body, drop us a line and share your story. More to come, friends! Visit djno.ca/disabled-wor... for details. 2/2
Alt: 2. The top section of the image displays the phrase "Justice for Disabled Workers" in large white text with a pink outline against a bright yellow background. To the right of the text, two raised fists, one holding a ruler and the other holding a stethoscope. Below, a pink striped line separates the top and bottom sections. The lower section contains explanatory text in black, detailing challenges faced by disabled workers in regulated professions. At the bottom, in large bold text, it invites viewers to share their stories, followed by a website link in bright pink. On the right, a QR Code also connected to that website - DJNO.ca/disabled-workers
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Disability Justice Network of Ontario @djno.ca · 07/07/2025
Friends, we need to defend disabled workers *now*. We have a comprehensive campaign and tools coming to focus on the fight for Justice for Disabled Workers. We're always looking to partner with non-unionized and unionized workers to demand disability justice in the workplace! 1/2
Alt:
1. The image features a rectangular design with a vibrant yellow background. At the top, bold white text with a pink shadow reads, "Justice for Disabled Workers," accompanied by graphic elements resembling rays or lines shooting outward from the first word. Below a pink diagonal stripe separates the top and bottom halves. The lower section contains two black bullet points in black text: 
"• Are you in a regulated profession (ie. physician, nurse, teacher, etc.) and facing discrimination due to your disability?

• Are you unable to use personal health information to defend yourself and seek accommodation due to existing professional legislation?". At the bottom, bold black text states, "We want to hear from you!"
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💖💄 Aoife ♿💖 @aoiferocksitout.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Urgent! Please help our friend @maedayj.bsky.social stay housed! It was so hard for Mae to access safe housing, please help keep her in her apartment! She's so close to the goal, we can do this! Mae does so much for others, please be here for her now! If you can't help, please share! 💖
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Lukewarm is generous. Run it for even a quick shower and it exceeds body temp. Thankfully we had a pitcher of water in the fridge for me to cool off with, but this is a brutal combination to be dealing with, particularly with no 24/7 cooling centers.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Another day living under the auspices of Dream - The shower that maintenance broke a week ago (ostensibly to solve a water temperature problem) is now functional again. We still have the temp problem, but now we can take a lukewarm shower in the absence of working AC. All Landlords are evil.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
It really sucks being the canary in the coal mine. Our unit gets a greenhouse effect meaning we need a different AC schedule than expected to keep our unit habitable and safe. So, I’ve been asking management for a safe temperatures plan for months while they figure out long term solutions.
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Fallon | [see pinned!] @fallonturing.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
It's apparently Autistic Pride Day. Give an autistic person in poverty some money for meds?
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Just need to give @helenscloset.bsky.social a shout out for being so ahead of the game around how to modify their sewing patterns to your tastes and body. So stoked that the Avery leggings pattern has an easy to find separate tutorial for adding in pockets. They are a must for me!
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Kelly @broadwaybabyto.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Roger Foley has been speaking out about coercion within Canada's MAiD (medical assistance in dying) program for years. He's been pushed to access it, despite repeatedly telling hospital staff he doesn't want to die. He's had his accommodation for special lighting removed. Food & water restricted:
dallasexpress.com
Brother Of Disabled Man To Canadian Hospital: He Is ‘Dying In Front Of You’
The brother of a disabled Canadian man is pleading with his hospital – which pushed euthanasia and cut off food and water.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Sharing for the Sunday crowd! Also shout out to so many of the Toronto and Canadian orgs who make this work possible through their low barrier funding mechanisms!
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
My latest writing on how to get started creating disability led programming in your own communities is live at the @rootedinrights.bsky.social blog!
rootedinrights.org
Building Your Own Community Program
EDITOR’S NOTE: The resources hyperlinked in this essay are specific to colonized Canada, but are included for readers as examples of the kinds of organizations and resources available, regard…
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Rooted In Rights @rootedinrights.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Though Shay Erlich's linked resources are specific to colonized Canada, they're great examples of resources and orgs that Shay encourages readers to consider both seeking and planting in your own communities. Our disabled resources series continues! #disability rootedinrights.org/building-you...
rootedinrights.org
Building Your Own Community Program
EDITOR’S NOTE: The resources hyperlinked in this essay are specific to colonized Canada, but are included for readers as examples of the kinds of organizations and resources available, regard…
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
My latest writing on how to get started creating disability led programming in your own communities is live at the @rootedinrights.bsky.social blog!
rootedinrights.org
Building Your Own Community Program
EDITOR’S NOTE: The resources hyperlinked in this essay are specific to colonized Canada, but are included for readers as examples of the kinds of organizations and resources available, regard…
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Maia Kobabe @redgoldsparks.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
These four books are being targeted by book banners in Alberta, Canada. All are comics, three of them are queer. If you live there, please submit your anti-censorship comments to this government survey before June 6, 2025: your.alberta.ca/school-libra... #albertacanada #bookbanning #bookchallenges
These four books are being targeted by book banners in Alberta Canada: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, Flamer by Mike Curato, Blankets by Craig Thompson and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. You can submit comments to a survey until June 6 2025 to share your thoughts with the Alberta government
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Star Victoria Power | Slide20XX @slide20xx.com · 28/05/2025
The game industry is a bit of a mess right now and it’s hitting all of us, but when things get bad, they’re often toughest on marginalized folk. So. @aiviwave.com and I are launching the Rising Star Patronage Project to support game composers & make great music! www.gofundme.com/f/video-game...
gofundme.com
Donate to Video Game Music for a Cause, organized by Star Victoria Power
The economy is garbage and it feels like we’re all doomed. I know it seems like there… Star Victoria Power needs your support for Video Game Music for a Cause
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Would be really great to be able to celebrate access and disability in Toronto without there being genocide money involved in the sponsorship. #NoArmsInTheArts #ArtistsAgainstGenocide
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Fallon | [see pinned!] @fallonturing.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
Could still use more help! I'm only a little more than halfway to my monthly goal! 370/650 #MutualAid #MAV #TransCrowdfund 💕💵
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
I’m a jury member for my first film festival and I never knew how delightful it could be to just see how people take such different views of the topic. Watching these films is such a treat - especially on high pain days when watching something is about all I can do.
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darth™️ @darthbluesky.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
i have some suggestions to get u started tbh www.thehandbasket.co @marisakabas.bsky.social‬ www.damemagazine.com @damemagazine.bsky.social‬ theflytrap.beehiiv.com @theflytrapmedia.com‬ www.mississippifreepress.org @mississippifreepress.org‬
thehandbasket.co
The Handbasket
100% independent journalism by Marisa Kabas
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Kara Jorgensen @authorkaraj.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
The comment period for this ends in 3 DAYS. Please leave a comment telling them EVERYONE should be able to get covid boosters. www.regulations.gov/commenton/FD...
regulations.gov
Regulations.gov
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Finished 1000xRESIST tonight! It took me months to get past the timed maze, including needing a new controller with a less glitchy right joystick. So proud of myself for not giving up. Also going to be sitting with that story for awhile. It was so rich and full.
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Marcy @marcythecranky.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Artificial Intelligence got a minister but disabled people being offered euthanasia while struggling to survive did not. 😡
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remy siu | 1000xRESIST @remysiu.com · 13/05/2025
Here to say that we wouldn't exist without arts funding. Not only would 1000xRESIST not exist without arts funding, we as artists who practiced for YEARS, trying to understand ourselves and our mediums would not exist without arts funding. Fund the arts! All of them. Including games.
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🌸Bibi🌸♿ @bibiblossoms.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
This is incredibly disappointing. Boosting so others can be aware especially in the disability community.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
There aren’t enough words for how grateful I am to the Toronto Arts Council for the period of rehearsals @wheelimm.bsky.social are having right now. After so long away from a regular dance practice having a few weeks to just get back into our bodies has been so beneficial.
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Shay Erlich (They/Them) @shay-erlich.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
I just want my controller and steam to play nice together. Why is that asking for too much? Relatedly, if anyone knows why Steam suddenly won’t recognize my 8bitdo Pro2 controller at all, after I tried to remap the inputs to match the switch layout rather than Xbox hit me up with tips!
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Ontario School Safety @onschoolsafety.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
If convincing people to get the measles vaccine is ‘slow going’ this calls for a vaccine-PLUS approach. Kids/Educators/Bus drivers have the right to NOT get infected, especially those at high risk. Vaccine-PLUS means: +masks +air filtration +ventilation +more! globalnews.ca/news/1117224...
globalnews.ca
Ontario measles outbreak: Convincing unvaccinated ‘slow going’, top doc says | Globalnews.ca
Since October, Ontario has recorded more than 1,400 measles cases linked to an outbreak that began at a large gathering with guests from Mennonite communities in New Brunswick.
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Fallon | [see pinned!] @fallonturing.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
It's now May. It's my birthday month. I didn't meet my MA goal for last month, by a wide margin. I'm hoping this month is better. Please, I'm disabled and poor and cannot work. Cashapp: $fallonbinns Venmo: fallon-binns ko-fi.com/crippledcomm... #MutualAid #TransCrowdfund #HelpFolksLive2025 💸💕
ko-fi.com
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