I let go of the notion of wanting someone to ignore the way I look in order to find me attractive, because really, what kind of relationship would that be? One where someone's only attracted to you because they're ignoring a fundamental part of you? No thanks. Stella Young attractattractivefind share on social
My parents didn't know what to do with me, so they just pretended I was normal, and that worked out quite well for me. Stella Young normalparentpretend 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
My mother loves to remind me that about the age of four, I made a somewhat formal announcement that I was going to be a plumber when I grew up. Stella Young ageannouncementformal Change image and share on social
Believe me, people with disabilities are just as concerned about benefit fraud as anyone else. Money spent on those who are not in need is money that isn't being spent on vital services to support us in the community. Stella Young benefitcommunityconcern 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
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
The killing of a disabled person is not 'compassionate'. It is not 'euthanasia'. It is murder. Stella Young compassionatedisableeuthanasia 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
In many ways, I'm incredibly lucky to have been born with my impairment and that it's visible. It means my path has been predictable. Stella Young bearimpairmentincredibly Change image and share on social