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
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
From pink water bottles for breast cancer to dumping a bucket of ice water on your head for neuromuscular conditions, it seems we're bombarded by requests to be 'aware' of one thing or another. Stella Young awarebombardbottle 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
We often hear that people mean well: that so many just don't how to interact with people with disabilities. They're unsure of the 'right' reaction, so they default to condescension that makes them feel better in the face of their discomfort. Stella Young condescensiondefaultdisability 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
Yooralla, like most disability service organisations, is full of good people who are passionate about the rights of people with disabilities. Stella Young disabilityfullgood Change image and share on social
From time to time, people pat me on the head. It happens on public transport, in the supermarket, in bars. It's a common enough occurrence that it very rarely takes me completely by surprise. Stella Young barcommoncompletely Change image and share on social
I've lost count of the number of times that I've been approached by strangers wanting to tell me that they think I'm brave or inspirational, and this was long before my work had any kind of public profile. Stella Young approachbravecount share on social
