The Ugly Laws were a series of laws passed in the United States from the 1860s to the 1970s that prohibited people with disabilities or other perceived “unattractiveness” from appearing in public.
They continue to influence policy today, and the lives of millions of disabled Americans. The intersection between ableism, classism, & race is inseparable, and learning more about disability rights issues / history equips you to better understand social justice issues occurring globally. This is why disability pride is important.
