Someone asked me if I “made” being disabled this huge part of my identity. I would prefer it not be. If I could go back to working, traveling, dancing, & surfing tomorrow I would.

Stating disability status is often the only way to get anyone to take your illness seriously.

I don’t talk about being disabled like it’s this cool little identity I get to try on. I talk about it because I struggled so much before I incorporated that word. It’s hard enough getting disability taken seriously, let alone an undiagnosed illness & an undefined status.

Because my illness is rarely visible, and I look this, people do not believe the severity of it, or even if they mean well, they just don’t understand. My disability status unlocks a path to their understanding. I’ve learned to use the language that works. It’s not a costume.