Rhode Island
GoLocalProv | News | From Leading Pride Parades to Chasing a National Title, Miss Wheelchair RI is Breaking Barriers
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Autumn Rain Johnson, when she was crowned Miss Wheelchair RI. PHOTO: Johnson
Autumn Rain Johnson did not envision she would one day be Miss Wheelchair Rhode Island — or that she would be leading “pride” parades around the state.
After publicly coming out as gay this year, Johnson recently led the first-ever North Kingstown Pride Parade, and has a number of other events coming up to celebrate the month.
In between, Johnson — who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from College Unbound — has been advocating for increased beach accessibility for the uniquely-abled.
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And on top of that, Johnson has been raising funds to compete in the Miss Wheelchair America national competition in Michigan later this summer.
“I’ve been pretty busy,” laughed Johnson.
In an interview with GoLocal, Johnson spoke about her journey, and how she hopes her voice — and work — can be an inspiration.
“It’s been super exciting. When I led the North Kingstown parade, that was importing to me,” said Johnson, who said she had spent time in North Kingstown schools before graduating from Narragansett High School. “I had experienced racism and bullying toward my disability there, so it was very moving to me. To witness and feel the love [during the parade] was pretty great.”
“I like to share this picture I took of myself, because it shows my indigenous culture,” said Johnson. “I wore this war paint, in honor of the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls.”
Raising Awareness
Johnson said that was last year that she first connected with the mother of the previous Miss Wheelchair RI title holder, Katherine Moretti.
“We met in a spina bifida support group, and she offered me the opportunity to be the next title holder,” said Johnson. “On January 21 of this year, I was crowned.”
For Johnson, the ability to advocate for increased accessibility as Miss Wheelchair RI runs parallel to her pursuit of a degree from College Unbound.
“I like interacting with youth with unique abilities. I want to go into social work, and also do more public speaking,” said Johnson.
Now, as a member of LGBTQ community, Johnson is also using her platform to spread a message of love and inclusion.
“I think we’re making small changes as pride parades become a norm in towns like North Kingstown,” said Johnson. “I did see some negative feedback out there. That makes me feel like we’re being seen but we still have work to do.”
“My mom explained to me we’re not just the ‘LGBTQ community.’ We’re people, and people should just be accepting of us as people. We can love whoever we choose to — and everyone should learn from that,” said Johnson.
Johnson said doing so much advocacy work “does feel slightly like pressure” — but for Johsnon, it’s “more about passion.”
“The joy I get interacting with people, it’s more fun for me,” she said. “I’m enjoying this.”
You can follow Johnson’s journey on Facebook and Instagram, and support her effort to win the national title here.
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