I don't generally talk about medical terms when I discuss my position as a disabled person. I take a social rather than medical approach to disability, and so long Latin names for congenital conditions are not relevant. Stella Young approachconditioncongenital share on social
When patronised, I'm unfortunately more flight than fight. Perhaps it's because I actually feel quite wounded. Stella Young feelfightflight Change image and share on social
Disability informs almost every part of my life. It's as important, if not more so, than my gender and sexuality. It's certainly a great deal more important to me than my religion or whether or not I caught a tram, ferry or bus to work. Stella Young buscatchdeal share on social
My everyday life in which I do exactly the same things as everyone else should not inspire people, and yet I am constantly congratulated by strangers for simply existing. Stella Young congratulateconstantlyeveryday Change image and share on social
There are real-world, devastating consequences for disabled women marginalised by the kinds of attitudes that deny them full agency over what happens to their bodies. Stella Young agencyattitudebody Change image and share on social
The sentiment of those suggesting the Olympics and Paralympics be combined is no doubt well intentioned. But it also echoes the myth that disabled people want to be other than what we are - that we'd like nothing more than to be 'allowed in' with the able-bodied competitors. Stella Young allowbodiedcombine share on social
In days gone by, short-statured people were not only labelled as ugly, stupid and freakish, they were often owned by aristocrats and treated, at best, as entertainment and, at worst, as pets. Stella Young aristocratbadday Change image and share on social
Self esteem and a healthy body image for people with disabilities are so often hard-fought. Stella Young bodydisabilityesteem Change image and share on social
I am not a snowflake. I am not a sweet, infantilising symbol of fragility and life. I am a strong, fierce, flawed adult woman. I plan to remain that way, in life and in death. Stella Young adultdeathfierce Change image and share on social
We are a society that treats people with disabilities with condescension and pity, not dignity and respect. Stella Young condescensiondignitydisability Change image and share on social
