Brian Be is the Self-Advocacy Coordinator for JFK Partners. He is an Autistic Artist Advocate living with various disabilities. Brian has been a caregiver, job coach, peer advocate, case manager, family member of persons of different abilities, community and family leader, performing artist, public presenter, and co facilitator - individually and with various disability organizations.
Below is a poem that Brian Be preformed at AUCD's Opening Plenary on "Using the Strength of our Network to Build a More Inclusive World."
together / apart;
together a part
Together for the oceans. Together for the sky. Together for now, Gather your tribe.
Together is a cycle.
It means some times apart.
"Together" in covid lockdown
= Together at home
Together on Netflix Amazon and zoom.
- together driving each other nuts, and together coming to make a home
For some, "together" online.
Together in gaming, in football or, of yeah! reading books.
Together in telehealth, healthcare redefined.
For some, together = go explore!
Together for the land,
for the eaters and The growers.
Together understand, the fasters and the slowers.
Together in insomnia,
(apart in location of course..🤔)
Together for chocolate,
Together to dance.
Together in smartphone frustrations.
Together in family & community loss.
Together in funding.
Together in research.
Together in healthcare supports.
Together in education? Maybe.
To gather in community? We'll see.
And at some points we are all a healthcare patient, of course.
Together in our team.
Together in our department.
Oh wait. Never mind there's a fight.
Together in our lead, flexible compartment.
It's the same airplane flight.
Networking is exhausting!
Conferences and meeting new people...
I'm trying to finish what I've started.
...So, start a new project? Are you sure?
No. No I'm not sure.
Hmm
Together unsure.
Gather your tribe. Discover.
Disagree.
Disband or Reform?
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
For writer or for wronger
For shorter or for longer
There are times for a part
And times when together, we're stronger.
