BY: Meisei Gonzalez
Ecological collapse at Great Salt Lake is forcing disabled communities to ask, “If Great Salt Lake dries, will I be able to stay?” because their local support systems are crucial. Disabled individuals have to consider if they can leave their support systems if necessary, or if the departure of their support systems will force them to leave.
Agua Es Vida - Illustration from Meisei Gonzalez, also known as EnviroCowboy, a sunset over the Great Salt Lake, with sad spirits reflecting the dread of its drying. This artwork underscores the essential role of water in sustaining our ecosystems and communities.
In Episode 5 of Stay Salty: Lakefacing Stories, we discussed the intersections of disability and the impacts of the Great Salt Lake drying up. Individuals with disabilities face often overlooked challenges, and societal systems are set up in ways that exclude and actively oppress these individuals.
As I researched for this episode, I was reminded of my own experience with temporary disability. In 2020, I had a terrifying accident that left me with multiple pelvic fractures and severe leg muscle injuries. For half a year, I was unable to walk and had to rely heavily on my support system of friends, family, and loved ones. Everyday activities that were once effortless became major challenges, such as showering, going upstairs, and even sitting up.
Meisei Gonzalez holding a protest sign at the Utah State Capitol during a 2020 rally in support of immigrants.
Talking to Nat Slater and Flor Isabel in this episode took me back to that difficult time in my life. They emphasized the importance of support systems and systems of care for those who are temporarily or chronically disabled. This resonated deeply with me, as I remembered how crucial my support system was during my recovery.
Our discussion focused on thriving and adaptation within the disabled community. Nat and Flor highlighted how individuals with disabilities constantly tinker, create, and develop systems to survive and thrive. This creativity and resilience are innate and essential, especially in the face of challenges like the drying of the Great Salt Lake, which leads to toxic, polluted air.
Flor specifically addressed the nuances and complexities of systems of care and the option to leave or stay for communities that are often undervalued. Both Flor and I know what it's like living in Kearns. And while it is no paradise, it's home. It's a place where we see people who look like us, who "get it," and in a way provide silent or underlying support for each other. With neighborhoods like these experiencing waves of gentrification and increased cost of living, we are seeing attacks on systems of care and support for many. This leaves us questioning: do we need to leave the area? What would prevent us from leaving if we had to?
What puts this in perspective is how much home prices have skyrocketed in Kearns alone. We have seen houses that were once $90,000 - $100,000 go up to the higher $400,000s. This has made many families cling tightly to the homes they have, as losing them would mean losing their support systems.
"KEARNS" Sculpture | Salt Lake County Library, Kearns, Utah 2020 - Monsoon Creative
As we confront environmental crises, we have much to learn from the disabled community. Their ability to adjust, adapt, and maintain systems of care is invaluable. Moreover, this episode reminded us that decisions to leave or stay during such crises are rarely made in isolation. The interdependence of our support systems plays a crucial role in determining if disabled people will be able to stay or leave if the Great Salt Lake dries up. Leaving behind a system of care can be impossible for many, while the departure of a support system may necessitate following.
Meisei Gonzalez is an environmental justice advocate and co-host of Stay Salty: Lakefacing Stories. Known as the “EnviroCowboy,” Meisei works to highlight the intersections of environmental and social justice, dedicating himself to making a lasting impact in the fight for environmental equity.
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