Joseph Kibler is a multifaceted advocate shaping the future of disability, HIV & queer identity
Carey, is the stuff of modern fairy tales.Both actors, both pansexual, both living with disabilities (Carey has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, which impacts connective tissue), both passionate advocates, and married since May 2023, they’re now navigating the tricky waters of family planning.“We both really have wanted to build a family together,” Joseph says. “The perception of two disabled people having kids is complicated.
It’s complicated for adoption, it’s complicated for natural birth and how people perceive you.”Their award-nominated short film Adoptive takes a comedic look at some of these issues head-on.Is it helpful to know your precise HIV viral load even if it’s super low?With a complex mix of visible and invisible identities, Joseph’s journey of self-discovery unfolded like peeling an onion—one layer at a time.“For most of my life, it’s been this gradual process,” Joseph muses. “I had to accept my disability before I could face my HIV, and only then could I fully embrace my sexuality.
It was quite a challenge.”He believes his experiences with disability have given him a unique view of life. “I was forced to slow down and smell the roses.
I think it is being able to take things, to be very grateful for everything, and to be kind of patient.”As a long-term HIV survivor, Joseph’s outlook for the future is shifting to one of hope and proactive planning.“I hope to actually put things on paper that we want to do and that I want to do with my family,” Joseph expresses. “For the first 25 years of my life, it just wasn’t even comprehensible.
