I am disabled, and have battled fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue for six years now. While I visually cannot be discriminated against for my disability, I have had to deal with traumatic instances of ableism that have made me consider dropping out of college completely.
Disability is all encompassing, and the cruelty I have faced is disheartening, isolating, and exhausting. Everyone in my life can attest to my resilience, my ability to bounce back, but it comes from my need to survive, and I envy what is considered a “normal life.” I am still struggling to manage my health, but fortunately things have gotten better.
To the community that gives me strength, my beautiful friends and family, and anyone who has ever checked on me, and taken the time to truly listen to me, I cherish you more than you will ever know. To anyone who also identifies as disabled, please keep advocating for yourself, practice radical rest, and be kind to yourself. I love you.
This book is the authentic, raw account of my life, but because of these pained experiences, I refrained from creating art surrounding my disabled identity for years until I made this work, finding catharsis again.
