Musician & Public Speaker
Dear Senator Klobuchar, I am a disabled violinist and songwriter, and I can confidently say that the lack of accessible venues is the number one barrier I face when it comes to pursuing my career as a full-time touring artist. My choice of performance… Continue Reading “An Open Letter to Senator Klobuchar Regarding Arts Accessibility”
Dear Governor Walz, My name is Gaelynn Lea and I am a lifelong Minnesotan, musician, and Disability Rights advocate. I know that you care about Minnesotans from every walk of life, which is why I am urging you to enact a statewide mandatory mask… Continue Reading “Governor Walz: It’s time for a Statewide Mask Ordinance”
Dear Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan, We all know that masks are scientifically proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and that unfortunately it has become a topic of great debate and division. With a different approach initially from the Federal government, I… Continue Reading “An Open Letter to Governor Tim Walz Requesting a Statewide Mandatory Mask Policy”
Hello! I am so glad that Duluth News Tribune reporter Brady Slater decided to cover the discussion about making masks required indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope his article will motivate others to contact Mayor Emily Larson (heck, even Governor Tim Walz!) if… Continue Reading “Letter to the Editor about Proposed Mask Ordinance”
Hello again, Mayor Larson! Thank you for the thoughtful email response. Although I am obviously disappointed by your current position (opting to make mask-wearing optional during the COVID-19 pandemic), I am not surprised, as I know masks are not universally accepted. That is why… Continue Reading “A Follow-up Letter to Mayor Larson (and Mayors Everywhere) about COVID-19”
Hello Mayor Larson! I hope this email finds you well and healthy. This is the musician & Disability Rights advocate Gaelynn Lea, a lifelong Duluth resident. I’d like to schedule a meeting with you if possible to discuss the idea of making mask-wearing in… Continue Reading “An Open Letter to the Duluth Mayor (and Mayors Everywhere) about COVID-19”
I hope this blog post finds you safe and healthy… How have you been holding up? The COVID-19 quarantine is well underway in Minnesota… And although I have pretty much adjusted to the new schedule (Paul & I haven’t gone anywhere since March 13th… Continue Reading “When Dread Takes Up Residence in Your Heart”
Hello Friends, and Happy Valentines Day! 🥰 I hope you are having a great day celebrating the many forms of LOVE! One form of love is making sure everyone in society is welcome, included, and treated with respect and dignity. Today I want to… Continue Reading “I Want to Get Involved in Disability Rights! Where Do I Start?”
This Friday, July 26th, marked the 29th anniversary of the signing of the ADA. The Americans with Disabilities Act is very special to me and I’m happy that advocates all across the country get together to celebrate its passage… It’s a “disability holiday” of… Continue Reading “Thoughts on Disability Rights for #ADA29”
This year the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival committee asked me to curate the annual Homegrown Mix Tape, which made me super excited for two reasons. First of all, I am really proud of my hometown of Duluth, Minnesota (a beautiful little city situated right at… Continue Reading “I Love Duluth… and Its Musical Humans!”
