SophieJun 29

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth

Wait, disability ... pride? Why would someone be proud to be disabled?

One of the most important aspects of disability pride for me is to counter the shame. The shame of “being different,” the shame of “needing help,” the shame of “being a burden,” the shame from the humiliation and abuse I have experienced.

Disability pride gives me the chance to counter the shame by saying, “I am disabled, and I am proud to exist and be who I am.”

#JulyIsDisabilityPrideMonth

Show threadLightJun 29

@sophie @hyperreal

We shouldn't counter shame with pride. We should counter it with self-respect.

I am disabled too (various mental health disorders) and I don't feel at all ashamed of it. Nor do I feel proud of it.

I think people should feel proud of things they have accomplished, but they shouldn't feel ashamed about not accomplishing things, especially if they physically can't due to a disability.

Show threadhyperreal 🅅Jun 29
@light @sophie I don't see pride and self-respect as mutually exclusive or contrary to each other in this case.
Show threadLightJun 29
@hyperreal @sophie I think self-respect is the middle point in this case. Pride and shame are excesses.
Show threadLightJun 29
@hyperreal @sophie
Shame: "Oh my god! I'm disabled and therefore worthless"
Pride: "Look at me! I'm disabled"
Self-respect: "I'm disabled. That's just who I am and there's nothing wrong with it"
Show threadLight
@hyperreal @sophie Ditto for gay
Jun 29 at 9:28pmWeb