Creator Highlight: Disability Pride Month
Welcome to the end of another long, long month in 2024.
A lot has happened over the past few weeks. The news cycle was a constantly revolving tornado, casting bombshell stories every which way and leaving an unreasonable mess everywhere it went.
We've seen everything from Donald Trump's near assassination, and President Biden dropping out of the election and pushing forward VP Kamala Harris. She brought with her an overwhelming surge of support and celebration, and she has given the Democratic campaign the boost of momentum that it sorely needs.
I don't know about you, but I've developed a strong case of whiplash from being jerked back and forth by it all. Good news, then bad news, then terrible news and amazing news. It never ends!
Still, in spite of all of that–and the fact that I gave in on Friday and spoke about politics instead of keeping to the plan, sorry Unfiltered listeners–it is still the last day of Disability Pride month.
So, as per usual, the time has come to publish our monthly creator highlight.
I would be remiss if I did not begin this month's creator highlight by bringing the Disability Visibility Project to your attention.
The DVP is an online community founded by disability rights activist Alice Wong.
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DVP is a fantastic resource and point of connection for disabled writers and media personalities. Alice's community is a wonderful place to go if you want to hear disabled voices and perspectives on issues that matter to us, as well as our perspectives on everyday life.
Popular culture narratives and opinions, politics, human rights, and so on. Whatever you want to read about, you can find it there.
Alice has built several other projects as well, including a website where she helps connect disabled writers with editors who can help them get started in publishing.
She has done fantastic work in raising awareness and pushing for change for disabled people both online and in the real world, and she deserves high praise for her tireless dedication.
If you're looking for something more fun and wholesome to enjoy on a rough day, don't worry. I have just the thing.
Meet Matthew and Paul, the most adorable married couple on YouTube– besides Jaime and Shaaba, of course. Matt and Paul have the added benefit of living with their lovely and helpful assistant Mr. Maple, a dashing and delightful guide dog.
Paul has a rare degenerative eye disease that causes gradual vision loss over time. He still currently retains a little bit of sight, but it's very spotty and he needs the assistance of Mr. Maple to get around the city on his own.
He and Matthew regularly post content on their shared YouTube channel, discussing their daily lives, the pranks and jokes they play on each other, and the difficulties that Paul faces because of his illness.
The love and affection they feel for each other comes through clearly on the screen, and their decision to show an honest accounting of life with a disability makes their channel an absolute must.
Although, we all know Mr. Maple is really the one in charge.
These creators are just two of many fantastic sources for you to check out, if you want to learn more about disability rights and advocacy.
Disabled creators need support, both emotionally and financially. Giving them your time and energy in consuming their content is a great way to offer that support.
If you can, share them with your friends and family to help raise awareness of them and what they're doing– and if you know any other creators, or you are one yourself, drop a link in the comments so we can come check you out.
We change the world by working together, one little step at a time.
Solidarity wins.
If you want to add to your library, consider checking out the World-Weary Reading List. If you purchase a book through one of the links on this list, I will be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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