MELMIRA: Reflections on Deaf Spaces

[Transcript with visual descriptions: Melissa stands in a public restroom, wearing a dark top and bright layered earrings that resemble flower petals.]

Yes, I am in a bathroom but I wanted to get something out there right now. I'm at this event, the Great Lakes Deaf Bowling Association. So this year is the 75th anniversary of the Women's Bowling Association, and the 85th anniversary GLDBA in general. So after getting here and mingling a bit, it's just awe-inspiring to learn the many stories of just how many people met right here! People have gotten engaged here, they've gotten married here. And not just that, but lifelong friendships have grown here. Some have been going here for 50 years straight. So many tales in this beautiful community. And yes, many of them are older.

But that made me realize. What is our current generation doing to preserve spaces like this? I feel like our current generation is really... I don't know, too individualistic. We have many different opportunities thanks to technology, yes, but we may not realize that many events and spaces like this one are truly the heart of the Deaf community. These places preserve many stories. This is a space where so many can really come together to create lifelong memories. That was a lightbulb moment, thinking about deaf clubs, deaf sports tournaments, we associate this with older generations. What is our current generation doing about this? When these older generations leave us, where will these spaces be? What do we think will happen?

Conferences, NAD Conferences, DWU conferences. We need more young people to get involved to continue things through the generations. Or, do we have our current generation-- You know I love my big earrings, they may be obnoxious but I won't apologize!

Anyway, when it comes to our current generation, do we have that space? If so, what is it? Where would you define our heart of the Deaf community right now? And how are you preserving it? I'm really, really curious. I'm curious to see your responses. Just, wow! I always cherish every time I can go to these types of events and see these treasured spaces. We need to see more of that to preserve our community.