I’ve become aware of an experienced and respected disabled activist endlessly mocking another disabled activist on her public Facebook, cheered on by many other disabled people in the Aus community. It’s gross. I endured bullying in high school and I can see it clear as day here.

They’re targeting a disabled POC activist, because they don’t like the way they do their activism. Thry frame it as “robust debate” but it’s clearly cruel and personal. I don’t know why some of you are joining in, but I see it and I’m super disappointed.

I’m sure someone will screenshot & send this tweet to the bully. If that happens I guess I’m next. That scares me. Still, I’ll be over here with activists who see how much space there is in this community for all of us.

There are many battles to fight, all of them worthy. If you’re doing grassroots activism, saving lives & fighting ableist abuse, I respect that. If you’re changing things for disabled people in literature, film, fashion, music, education... I respect that too. It’s all important.

There’s no need to dismiss and mock activists who are making waves in their own way. There’s no need to cut down disabled people just because they have personal success and a public profile. The nastiness is disturbing, but it’s also such a waste of time and energy.

Also, playing “I’m more disabled than you” is gross. We’re a diverse community & we don’t necessarily understand everything about others’ disabilities & lives. For example, what people see first is my prosthetic but these days my invisible disabilities are my primary ones.

Even if I was “just” an amputee, I’m still disabled. I’m still enough. I’m still part of the community, and my issues are still disability issues.

Another point. Disabled people who wear masks on social media aren’t being performative. Disabled people who talk about their lives, interests, passions on social media aren’t being performative. We can be fun and fashionable. We can talk about kids, and homeschooling.

Whatever we do, we do as disabled people. Talking about our experiences, feelings and fears during a pandemic isn’t performative. Living our lives and talking about it on social media isn’t performative. Stop shaming other disabled people. Just stop.

I now have this bully blocked on all platforms, but if you don’t, & you’re seeing it, liking the posts, even commenting supportively on posts mocking other disabled people... wtf are you doing? Do you think that because this person has power in our community that it’s okay?

Big hugs to the person being bullied, and a big middle finger to the bully. I hope you get voted out of your position of power. You don’t deserve it. Fin.