Tag: disability

Banning books destroys worlds: T. J. Klune’s The Extraordinaries and Moms for Liberty

I just finished The Extraordinaries by T. J. Klune. As always, Klune creates quirky characters that reflect the individuality encompassing our reality. Even amidst the backdrop of a fantastic world, his characters are always grounded and relatable, making the world which they live within feel real. The Extraordinaries takes place in Nova City, where humans with superpowers can… Continue reading Banning books destroys worlds: T. J. Klune’s The Extraordinaries and Moms for Liberty

Changé: dance and movement after becoming disabled

Changé: Dance and movement after becoming disabled *** this originally published in the 2022 fall print issue of Thiiird Magazine. Ballet dancer Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter’s personal experience navigating dance, blindness and chronic pain. Etendre (to stretch) A reach back into the past I remember when my body flowed in graceful arcs, pirouetting towards a distant point. My limbs a… Continue reading Changé: dance and movement after becoming disabled

Believing something doesn’t make it true

Since the beginning of Covid, we have seen cases of people wanting to believe something that just isn’t true. Covid was out-right denied. Despite thousands dying, its severity was denied. Public health safety measures have been doubted, questioned, debated and completely ignored for years. A couple of months ago, I noticed people who took Covid… Continue reading Believing something doesn’t make it true

I’m back but overwhelmed

I have not posted in weeks. Every Wednesday, I receive a WordPress notification, reminding me it’s time to blog. Every week, I’m determined to post something. But I’m so stressed, so overwhelmed, it’s difficult to unjumble the thoughts in my head. In the last several weeks, so much life has happened, personally and in the… Continue reading I’m back but overwhelmed

Hey, Jamie Lynn, get over yourself: Who tells disability experiences?

I’m. So. Sick. Of non-disabled people centering their experiences around disability. And this isn’t unique to me. All disabled people are tired of hearing how disability impacts non-disabled people. Ug! Recently, Jamie Lynn Spears, sister to Britney Spears, said in an interview that she doesn’t understand why she and her sister have grown apart. In her new… Continue reading Hey, Jamie Lynn, get over yourself: Who tells disability experiences?

Dear non-disabled people, your New Year’s resolutions

Dear non-disabled people, 2022 is upon us, and it’s time for arbitrary resolutions. We all know no one ever keeps New Year’s resolutions, so, here are some more for you also not to keep. Non-disabled people, you haven’t kept these up ‘til now; please don’t fail my expectations this year. A list of New Year’s resolutions curated just for you, non-disabled people. All… Continue reading Dear non-disabled people, your New Year’s resolutions

A short rant on ableism

This is a rant; a righteous rant. If you don’t like it, tough. I’m tired of being silenced, stuffed into a box. I’m tired of trying to live my life constantly surrounded by your ableism. For two weeks now I’ve felt bookended by ableism. Comments and attitudes directed towards me, mostly by people supposed to… Continue reading A short rant on ableism

Punished for being disabled

You make the decision to have children, and from that point, your children consume you. You want to give them every opportunity. You want them to succeed. You ultimately want them to be happy and healthy. But when you’re a disabled parent, you’re often punished for daring to be disabled. My husband and I both have a… Continue reading Punished for being disabled

Disabled and doing fine: I’m not in need of misguided affirmations

Hey, non-disabled peeps, disabled adult here. I’m not a child; please stop speaking to me like I’m in Kindergarten. Doesn’t matter what my disability is, it’s never okay to speak to adults like this. And I certainly don’t care about your hang-ups surrounding disability. Stop. Speaking. To. Me. Like. I’m. A. Child. The school year… Continue reading Disabled and doing fine: I’m not in need of misguided affirmations

F! I’m 40

I lay-out in the backyard, sun sizzling along my body. Bia and Nicki Minaj thump out my pink, portable speaker, giving me permission to rock this bikini. I’m 40; I’m a mom; Fuck yes, I’m wearing this bikini. Shit, am I 40? Today’s my 40th birthday. Forty years seeking an identity. Forty years defying expectations.… Continue reading F! I’m 40