What is Mad Pride? Mad Pride is a mass movement of the users of mental health services, former users, and the aligned, which advocates that individuals diagnosed with mental disorders should be proud of their ‘mad’ identity. It was formed in 1993. For more information about the history and meaning of Mad Pride, you can check out our website HERE
MindFreedom International was approached recently by members of an organization named Antica whose members are organizing for human rights in South Korea’s mental health system. Last year, they launched their first ever Mad Pride Seoul 2019. You can view a picture of their Mad Pride March HERE
This year, MindFreedom International was invited to join forces with Mad Pride Seoul. The result is Mad Pride World! Global support for the human rights and humane alternatives of psychiatric survivors will be the theme of Mad Pride actions throughout the world in 2020.
Please take this brief private survey about Mad Pride World, to help us get your input & organize support www.surveymonkey.com/r/madprideworld
The first Mad Pride World will be held on October 10, 2020 to coincide with World Mental Health Day. Due to COVID, most Mad Pride World events will be virtual but next year it will be even bigger! We hope to build Mad Pride World by recruiting participants to serve on an international planning committee for Mad Pride World 2021! If you are interested, please email madprideworld@gmail.com
MindFreedom International Calls for Endorsers & Volunteers
This year, on October 10, 2020, MindFreedom, encourages Mad Pride activists to perform fun actions which illustrate Mad Pride, For example, some activists in the past have performed a “Bed Push” . Click HERE for example. Anyone can do a bed push or other Mad Pride activity and send a photo or video to madprideworld@gmail.com
Another way that MindFreedom is encouraging global participation is to send us a three minute video of yourself answering the following question, “What does Mad Pride mean to you?” Activist Jim Flannery will compile these ‘shorts’ into a live-streamed program on October 10, coinciding with Mad Pride Seoul.
Be creative while selecting a location for filming your submission. Organizer David Oaks and his wife, Debra Nunez will be broadcasting ‘live’ from David’s hospital bed like Yoko Ono and John Lennon! You can do it alone or in a small group. You can dress up or not!
Whatever you decide to do be sure to have fun!
Here are two example videos created by Jim and a group of students. You can submit your videos on his website here.