Sins Invalid is a disabled performance project that formed in 2006 in San Francisco. Founders Patty Berne and poet Leroy F. Moore Jr., both people of colour with physical disabilities, wanted to celebrate artists with disabilities, especially those who were queer, racialized, gender-variant or otherwise marginalized. Their shows actively challenge what is considered “sexy” or “normal” by using personal stories from the artists and adapting them into performance pieces.

 

Performance

Artists use movement, dance, multimedia projections, spoken word, music and collaboration to express their intimate narratives through a disabled perspective. The group uses a broad definition of disability which includes but isn’t limited to physical impairments, chronic pain or illness, cognitive challenges and emotional disabilities. The pieces performed are sexually charged and confront sexuality.

 

Social Justice

Although the troupe is performance based, it is used as a tool to challenge ablist and heteronormative understandings of bodies and disability. Sins Invalid uses their shows as a platform for education and community building. They provide space and mentorship for disability positive artists as well as support the disability movement through workshops, protests and performances.