“I had no idea of just how pervasive the dehumanisation of disabled people is until I was visibly disabled.

My first guest to kick off season 5 of ‘Pause. And Rewind…’ is a bit of a legend, to say the least. It’s Nancy Kelley (she/her) and this conversation was pure gold.

Nancy is very much ‘OUT’ in life - in her words. Certainly when it comes to her sexuality having had a very LGBTQ+ focused career - so much so that it often comes as a surprise to people that she came out fairly late which is something we dive into. But more recently, as a disabled person following her cancer journey over the last couple of years - something she’s intentionally being more public & vocal about in order to raise awareness to her own lived experience and the issues faced by many disabled folk, particularly around employment.

We cover a lot around Nancy’s extensive career in the charity & public sectors including her recent appointment as CEO for LGBTQ+ youth charity Allsorts and her incredible ongoing volunteer work with Trans+ Solidarity Alliance.

Little Nancy had a huge imaginary & vibrant world growing up against the backdrop of a tough childhood, particularly with her mother - an experience we share & reflect on during our chat. Nancy was - and remains - an avid book reader and enjoyed school yet her teenage years & early adult years were turbulent with Nancy recounting “I didn’t think I’d make it through my twenties.” We explore the impact of not feeling safe & lacking aspirations - both of which have shaped how she shows up in the world today.

Life is very different now which Nancy does not take for granted. Nancy & her family moved to Brighton last year - a far cry from growing up in Grimsby and her time in London - and they’re loving it. She shares how her best adventure is motherhood to her two kids alongside her partner of 20 years. Consistency & safety are fundamental to her parenting... which amusingly has resulted in her being labelled ‘the homework witch’.

Nancy is “very good at joy” and this episode is swimming in it. Have a listen & let us know what you think!