I’m so glad you said this. It does feel weird to put those words next to each other sometimes. But I am proud! I’m proud of my body’s strength in continuing to live and work in a world not designed for it, a world that causes it pain. But my legs still take me places, even if they are slow and hurting. My hand still makes art even when it’s a little spastic! 💜
I just wrote a super long comment about disability pride being a protest as much as a celebration (in a similar way to LGBTQI+ pride), but it seems it didn't post, and honestly I don't have the energy to rewrite it, which sucks (even if it was a little long-winded).
Basically I'm proud of surviving in a world that sees me as disposable. I'm proud to be part of an incredible community. And the term 'disabled' should be neutral - it's just a descriptor, but the negative connotations comes from society, and our internal ableism.
I definitely agree that there is pride to be felt in being disabled in a world that is not built for us and the level of strength and resilience that the disability/chronic illness community has.
And I also believe there is pride to be felt in the humanness and vulnerability that disability and chronic illness contains. In the times when we admit to struggling and being in pain and, most especially, needing, asking for and accepting help and support from others.
There is a culture of individualism and forced resilience in this society that ultimately harms the disability/chronic illness community that needs to be challenged.
There is just as much strength and pride to be felt in vulnerability, if not more, as there is to be felt in strength and resilience. ❤️🔥♿️
Blossom, I also have struggled with calling myself "disabled," instead often saying I'm "on disability." For some reason, it lands differently for me. Thank you for this post.
I'm proud this community if full of so many kind and empathetic souls. And I'm proud I finally started writing about my medical trauma and healthcare experiences, despite the psychological pain (and instead of just complaining all the time!), to show that things can be different.
You are not alone! Thank you for sharing this, and you should be so so proud for giving that pain purpose through writing. It’s not easy at all! I hope my website is helpful for you to explore, it sounds like we’re on a similar wavelength: teawithhb.com
It took me a long time to accept the disabled title as well. I think even in the chronic illness/disability circles we have stereotypes that get in the way. But now - how could I not be proud to be in what might be the most resilient and strong group of people in the world?
I’m so glad you said this. It does feel weird to put those words next to each other sometimes. But I am proud! I’m proud of my body’s strength in continuing to live and work in a world not designed for it, a world that causes it pain. But my legs still take me places, even if they are slow and hurting. My hand still makes art even when it’s a little spastic! 💜
THIS THIS THIS!!!!
I just wrote a super long comment about disability pride being a protest as much as a celebration (in a similar way to LGBTQI+ pride), but it seems it didn't post, and honestly I don't have the energy to rewrite it, which sucks (even if it was a little long-winded).
Basically I'm proud of surviving in a world that sees me as disposable. I'm proud to be part of an incredible community. And the term 'disabled' should be neutral - it's just a descriptor, but the negative connotations comes from society, and our internal ableism.
I am so sorry how annoying! I completely agree, it is a protest for our rights especially this year.
I definitely agree that there is pride to be felt in being disabled in a world that is not built for us and the level of strength and resilience that the disability/chronic illness community has.
And I also believe there is pride to be felt in the humanness and vulnerability that disability and chronic illness contains. In the times when we admit to struggling and being in pain and, most especially, needing, asking for and accepting help and support from others.
There is a culture of individualism and forced resilience in this society that ultimately harms the disability/chronic illness community that needs to be challenged.
There is just as much strength and pride to be felt in vulnerability, if not more, as there is to be felt in strength and resilience. ❤️🔥♿️
Blossom, I also have struggled with calling myself "disabled," instead often saying I'm "on disability." For some reason, it lands differently for me. Thank you for this post.
I'm proud this community if full of so many kind and empathetic souls. And I'm proud I finally started writing about my medical trauma and healthcare experiences, despite the psychological pain (and instead of just complaining all the time!), to show that things can be different.
You are not alone! Thank you for sharing this, and you should be so so proud for giving that pain purpose through writing. It’s not easy at all! I hope my website is helpful for you to explore, it sounds like we’re on a similar wavelength: teawithhb.com
Thank you - I will!
It took me a long time to accept the disabled title as well. I think even in the chronic illness/disability circles we have stereotypes that get in the way. But now - how could I not be proud to be in what might be the most resilient and strong group of people in the world?