Nyle DiMarco delivers Human Right Campaign speech on sexuality and disability

From teaching American Sign Language to the masses via Instagram to being the first deaf contestant to win Dancing With The Stars, Nyle DiMarco has become somewhat of a figurehead for the deaf community.

And now, he’s encouraging everyone, whether they’re deaf, LGBT or in anyway different, to embrace what makes them special.

Speaking at the Human Rights Campaign’s 2016 National Dinner, the star of Attitude’s current october issue – available to download now – told his audience that he doesn’t see being deaf as an “obstacle,” joking that this was particularly true during the “turbulent political year” that is 2016.

“I don’t find not being able to hear an obstacle or a boundary,” he explained. “For me and for many of us, it is an advantage and it’s a part of my identity in fact. It’s a huge part of who I am.”

He continued: “In this very turbulent political year, trust me, don’t you want to sometimes just turn the volume off completely when Donald Trump starts to rant?”

The model stated that he was proud to be a “sexually fluid deaf man”, and shared some words of wisdom about identity and diversity: “I know that embracing all our identities is the way to thrive and to overcome the limitations and prejudices that surround us.

“There is no doubt in my mind that human diversity is what colours our world.”

He adds: “For all LGBTQ Americans, we know from experience that labels can’t hold us back. We can change the world one person at a time simply by being our true selves.”

You can read the our interview with Nyle and see his exclusive new shoot in Attitude’s October issue, available to download now from pocketmags.com/attitude.

It’s in shops tomorrow (September 14), and print copies are available to order from newsstand.co.uk.

Also in Attitude’s October issue, alongside all your usual news, reviews, fitness & travel:

In a theatre special, we meet the young out and proud stars of the National Youth Theatre as the iconic drama group celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Former Game of Thrones star Gethin Anthony talks playing gay in Westeros and his new role as infamous – and sexually ambiguous – criminal Charles Manson.
Fear the Walking Dead‘s Colman Domingo tells us all about life playing one of the hit zombie series’ most electrifying gay characters.
We catch up with fabulous pop females AlunaGeorge and Rebecca Ferguson as they prepare to release new music.
Eurovision winner Jamala she reflects on life for Ukraine’s LGBT+ community as she looks ahead to next year’s competition.
Syrian refugee and LGBT+ activist Subhi Nahas shares his uplifting story of strength and strife in the fact of war and oppression.
As Black History Month gets underway, we examine the new generation of black LGBT+ role models inspiring today’s young people.
Iconic ’80s star and friend of Boy George Marilyn shares the lessons learnt from a life well-lived.
We chat to French actor Geoffrey Couët, one of the two stars of new romantic gay drama film Theo & Hugo.
Male model Oliver Cheshire talks us through his favourite trends for Autumn/Winter 2016.
We catch up with RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star Alyssa Edwards (and attempt to finally find out her secret) in new monthly feature ‘Big in a Wig’.

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