Challenging Ableism for an Inclusive Future
When my colleague told me about this opportunity she said she didn’t feel like the right person to give this talk. I also don’t feel like the right person to give this talk, because I feel I am not an expert. What I have experienced isn’t extraordinary. Who am I to stand up here in front of all of you and say with authority that you should help us eradicate ableism?
Well, this is a great example of how ableism makes us second guess ourselves, making us believe that if we are not 100% perfect, 100% of the time, then we are not worthy. Not worthy of speaking up, taking up space, validating our own feelings, or being loved and cared for.
If you’ve ever felt this way, would you mind saying, “I hear you”. Thank you, I hear you too.
Let’s not fall into this ableist, misogynistic, racist trap. I am here to remind us all tonight, that we are all worthy. We are all the right people to talk about the things we are passionate about. So here goes:
When I think about ableism it feels both immensely powerful, heavy, ready to suffocate us all in a moment; and yet, it also feels invisible. Even as a person with a disability, when I see ableism, others often do not. This makes me feel invisible. The absolute requirement of masking my mental illnesses is exhausting. It violates everything that feels authentically me, and yet, I continue to mask most days. This makes me feel invisible too. If you’ve ever felt this way before, would you mind saying, “I see you”. Thank you, I see you too…
