Humanize with Empathy, Not Sympathy, by asking “What are you going through?”
“The love of our neighbour in all its fullness simply means being able to say ‘what are you going through?’” What Simone Weil touches on here in her 1951 text “Waiting for God” sounds simple and straight forward. Listen to each other, share, and through that develop understanding. So why is it all too often […]
I Was Granted the Disability Pension and Shame Was My First Reaction
Despite professional recommendation, I put off applying for the disability pension for as long as possible. I am chronically mentally ill. I am unable to work as a result and therefore am lacking in the financial department. After months of contemplation and eking out my dwindling resources, I decided to swallow my pride and admit […]
“In A Beat”, Discusses Autism and Black Representation Through a Refreshing and Representative Lens
It is no secret that film is very much lacking in diversity. Disability representation is limited, and accurate disability representation is even more so. However, accurate representation for black autistic folks is quite literally non-existent. That’s why In A Beat, a new film premiering on 10th July 2020, is vitally important for our community. In A […]
“You Are So Cute” : The Nicest Insult I Have Ever Gotten
“You are so cute!” A phrase I hear all the time. From family, friends and sometimes people I don’t even know. Okay, to a certain degree- I get it. I am quite small in stature and to some I resemble a small woodland creature. But because I am Disabled, calling me cute can mean a […]
JK Rowling, Autism, and Getting to ‘Pick Your Gender’
Happy Pride month, Cripple Magazine readers! While many of us will not be attending Pride events this year, I hope that each of you is able to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in your own way while staying safe. This Pride month, children’s author JK Rowling was called out for liking, retweeting, and making […]
Modern-Day “Shock Therapy” Isn’t What You Think—But Isn’t Perfect, Either
When I tell people that I am currently undergoing electroconvulsive therapy, the modern equivalent of “shock therapy”, I am most often met with semi-horrified surprise or confusion. Many think that the treatment is no longer used due to its harsh side effects and potential for abuse. This belief makes sense, given the way that this […]
Disability Pride: Five Disabled LGBTQ Activists Who Connected Communities
Pride today largely consists of celebrations, rainbow-clad community members, and corporations capitalizing on the opportunity to seem inclusive. The major strides in advancing LGBTQ rights combined with the nearly nonexistent inclusion of our history in school curriculums can allow us to perceive the past through rose-colored lenses. It is easy to forget the myriad of […]
“My Disability is Not a Lie” and More Statements I’ve Had to Tell at School
Most able-bodied people have an image in their mind of what they think a disabled person is and I’d bet the whole two dollars in my bank account that nine times out of ten that person is sitting in a wheelchair. Using this logic, me, a disabled person who can walk without obvious visual issues, […]
10 Disabled Authors & Book Characters You Can Support Over JKR & Harry Potter
With J. K. Rowling’s recent harmful tweets rejecting trans* identity floating to the surface of the internet, we’ve been on the hunt for new authors to read instead of supporting the author best known for writing the Harry Potter series. In light of this, we’ve put together 10 disabled authors and their books that you can read […]
I Don’t Have To Prove My Disability To Anyone – Including You, Too
I’m leaning against the door frame of the drama room, talking to a teacher that’s known me for four years, one that wrote my college recommendations and always ensured this was a space where I felt welcome. I’m discussing upcoming auditions and wanting to try out but being scared my disability will hold me back. […]