It makes me so sad that so many #disabled people take on society's view of them as deficient, shameful, and deprived. We internalize and individualize systemic #ableism and then blame ourselves for our misery.
It just shows how badly a #DisabilityPrideMonth is needed...
I'm sad for my younger self because I grew up thinking the same way. And indeed even my current self: I'm not totally free of internalized ableism, probably never will be. But at least now I have a better chance of spotting it.
The other thing I wanted to say for #DisabilityPrideMonth is to the people who aren't sure whether they can or should call themselves disabled.
I'd like to say: welcome.
(If you want.)
Disability can be defined as a condition that significantly impacts your life. It can be defined as where society disables you.
It's not just for mobility or sensory impairments. It's not just for physical pain. It's for invisible conditions, variable conditions, mental illnesses, energy-limiting conditions...
@bright_helpings @UnCoveredMyths Thank you very much for this.
I was one of those people who had those thoughts and wasn’t going to use that hashtag because of it. It’s nice to know I can be included after all.
Moon joy
Lydia Schoch