Crutches and Spice

Ah what fun.

I am a member of a shocking (appalling, really) number of dating apps which means that the simple act of checking my messages can feel like drive-by ableism that I’ve brought down upon myself.

Woman in pink wheelchair has back turned with hands zip-tied behind her. | Colleen Flanagan As a black person raised in the United States, I was always aware that the idea of “American” was one that I was always supposed to aspire to, but, never quite ach…

There’s no amount of personal success that acts as a cure to a diagnosis, but you wouldn’t know that watching news report dripping in inspiration porn hoping for that last-ditch ratings bump.

Image description: plus size African American woman stands with loftsrand crutches before a black gate covered in vines.

You knew that there would be a time when I’d have to write this.

Interior Photo Women’s March in Philadelphia 2017 by Alan Barr Via Flikr Creative Commons We have to admit that when we downloaded Adoring Allies, we were at a pretty low point in our political lives, we had just broken up with the tall, dark, handsome, a…

The following is a presentation I gave for a class on the identity formation of able-bodied people in contrast to representation of disabled bodies.

In recent posts, I have been writing a lot to the able-bodied community in the hopes that they may see what we see.

Max Whittaker | Reuters I would like to start this post by (scream-crying into a pillow for 30 minutes) saying: here we are, we got what we got and we must move forward.

via HoustonPress.com During the 2016 political season, disability has become one of the main talking points for voters.

http://www.sfchronicle.com In the past few days, America has found itself twisted into a tizzy over the silent protest of San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick over the police history of the brutal treatment of people of color, specifically African…

Daniel Harris | Mirror UK I wish I could come up with some clever reaction to the recent deaths of disabled peoples in the last few months.

The children blessed me today!

Protest Against The Deaths of Black Women in Police Custody by Fibonacci Blue via Flikr Creative Commons I have 22 scars on my body from the various operations I’ve had—24 depending on whether you count being operated on in the same exact place twice as o…

• There’s a limit to most people’s empathy; talk about disability rights, sure; talk about black lives and you’re a problem. • You will live your life in pieces.

Courtesy @MikeMort I love superheroes.

The word “cripple” evokes many a negative connotation, but considering it is probably the least objectionable thing said during the course of an election in which a presidential candidate regularly insults minorities including the disabled, it’s time to u…

With the recent theatrical release of Ableist propaganda film, Me Before You, disabled activists have raised their voices in anger over the portrayal of disability and the suicide of the main character.

Justin M.

For the love of God, why do strangers keep striking up conversations with me?

People are always under the assumption that my parents somehow babied me or made my life as easy as possible because I was their disabled child—nothing could be further from the truth.

“Foot Down” by David Amsler via Flikr Creative Commons Anyone who knows me well, has heard me speak extensively on the word “handi-capable.”

I am constantly stepping on people’s feet.

It has come to my attention that speaking out about issues facing people with disabilities will get me no where; that this should be a forum where people get their daily dose of inspiration and feel uplifted by my words.

Americans with Disabilities Act Annual Celebration by Jay Baker at Baltimore County, Maryland I love New York.

I have a confession to make.