Sensitivity Readers available or resources?

[agdhani]

Hello All.
I have written a supernatural angel/demon story, set in modern day Colorado. (The Mesa Verde area to be specific)

My main character has spent his life in a wheelchair; his best friend is Native American.

I have been looking for sensitivity readers in these two areas because I want to be certain I'm not falling into any trope/stereotype traps or being offensive with either character in any way. I don't 'think' I am, but as I am not either of those things, I'm not certain. I have researched such tropes and usual problems that crop up when writing them, and think I've avoided as many as I can.

I've been looking for readers to critique those two aspects of the book. While I've found sensitivity readers for gender related issues, and some racial issues (black, Asian, and Hispanic) and issues like autism, depression, and similar mental issues and neurodivergent areas, I haven't come up with anything for either of the two areas I am concerned with.

Does anyone have resources like these, or know readers who would be interested in critiquing these two aspects of the story?

Comments

[jadelennox]

not sure about Native sensitivity readers; try disability to ask for a disabled sensitivity reader.

Don't use "spent his life in a wheelchair" terminology when you ask there, because of course your character hasn't done that, and people there will take it as a warning sign. Describe the specifics. "Was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and uses a wheelchair and an AAC board" is a better ask than "spent his life in a wheelchair."

(Similarly, when you find a good place to ask for a Native sensitivity reader, be specific. "Enrolled Southern Ute member", not "Native American". But also verify, to the best of your ability, that your sensitivity reader is actually Native American or First Nations; lots of pretendians like to claim authority in that space.)

[sabotabby]

Which Nation does his friend belong to? There are like 9 from Colorado.

[mecurtin]

I can't tell from your question--is this for profic or fanfic?

If it's for profic, you MUST pay your sensitivity readers. Both groups--disabled and Natives--have VERY long & bitter histories of having other people tell their stories. Money isn't the only way to show your respect, but it's a crucial foundation.

There's a subreddit to connect writers with sensitivity readers: https://www.reddit.com/r/SensitivityReaders/

If you can't afford to pay a sensitivity reader before you actually sell the book, be upfront about that--but you maybe need to be more intensive with your research first.

If it's for fanfic (is this Good Omens?) you also need to do research, but you may need to just, try your best, ask for feedback in the author's notes.

[isis]

I am not Southern Ute but I live near the res and have several Southern Ute friends, if you want me to give a quick look or answer local-to-Mesa-Verde-area questions.

Thanks to all of you!

[(Anonymous)]

I appreciate the directions and the things to think about. As the book is still a work in progress, you've given me some things to double check and so resources to reach out to, so it'll be a huge help!