Have you ever felt like an outsider in the Deaf community? My friend Bobby Jacob and I explore why terms like "clique" and "elite" have sparked so much conversation, and how our own experiences (like my time in Kappa Gamma) shape our perspectives. We'll dive into the concept of "DeafOrphans.” “DeafElites” and the powerful idea that inclusion is key to a stronger, more vibrant Deaf community.

Drawing parallels from history and colonization, we discuss how fragmentation weakens any group and why it's nobody's fault that these divisions exist. We challenge the notion that "Deaf" can be replaced in sentences where "ASL" is typically used, sparking a new way to think about our collective identity.

From the benefits of manual language for everyone (including oral individuals) to the importance of recognizing our diverse intersections (hard of hearing, oral, Deaf, Deaf elite), we believe in embracing every thread of our shared "Deaf tapestry." We'll also touch on why Deaf education needs to evolve beyond the LRE framework, the politics of "ASL as a billion-dollar industry," and the ongoing fight for systemic recognition of ASL.
Join us as we advocate for unity, respect, and acceptance for all walks of Deaf life. It's time to build a truly inclusive team.

#RaymondMerritt #ASL #DeafOrphans #DeafElites