Raise awareness about chronic illnesses by understanding their impact, symptoms, and the importance of support and education.
Living with fibromyalgia can feel like carrying a weight that no one else sees. The pain is real, but invisible. The fatigue is constant, but misunderstood. The emotional toll builds quietly, often behind a forced smile or polite silence. But in the midst of this invisible battle, something powerful happens when we speak. The power of sharing our fibromyalgia stories goes far beyond catharsis—it becomes a lifeline, a connection, and a revolution of empathy. Breaking…
When My Long-Term Disability Was Revoked Because I ‘Don’t Look Sick’ I never imagined that having an invisible illness would mean I’d have to fight to prove my suffering to strangers. I never thought I’d hear someone in a position of power imply that looking well equates to being well. Yet that’s exactly what happened. My long-term disability was revoked because I “don’t look sick.” That sentence changed everything. The decision was more than just…
Why I’m Retiring From Advocacy as a Queer, Disabled Survivor of Abuse There comes a time in every journey when continuing forward no longer feels brave — it feels like survival without self. For years, I poured my energy, heart, and lived experience into advocacy. I fought to be seen, to make space for others, to speak truths that were too often buried under the weight of silence. I showed up in rooms that weren’t…
The 2021 Sundance Film Festival offered a refreshing and long-overdue spotlight on stories that reflect the real world — including authentic disability representation. In a media landscape that often excludes or misrepresents disabled individuals, Sundance provided a platform for filmmakers who brought truth, dignity, and complexity to disability narratives. These films did more than just feature disabled characters — they told their stories with nuance, respect, and realism. From bold documentaries to groundbreaking dramas, these…
Pain is personal. It’s intimate. It’s rooted in the unique wiring of a body and the lived experience of the person inside it. So when I’m in pain and someone says, “That didn’t hurt,” the words don’t just miss the mark—they sting in a way that’s deeper than the initial physical pain itself. They erase my experience, question my reality, and shrink my voice into silence. For anyone living with an invisible illness like fibromyalgia,…
When someone opens up about their pain—whether physical, emotional, or invisible—they’re not just stating a fact. They’re taking a vulnerable step. They’re trusting you with something raw and real. But what happens next—the way you respond—can either build a bridge of support or deepen the hurt. Words carry power, and the wrong ones can wound deeper than silence ever could. What you should never say when someone tells you they’re in pain isn’t always obvious.…
In a media landscape saturated with superheroes who seem invincible, Rita Farr stands apart. Known as Elasti-Woman on HBO Max’s Doom Patrol, Rita is not your typical comic book character. While she possesses powers, her story is deeply entwined with themes of vulnerability, identity crisis, and the lasting physical and emotional toll of trauma. For many living with chronic illness, Rita Farr’s journey offers a powerful reflection of their own struggles and resilience. Her character…
Living with fibromyalgia means living with layers of pain, fatigue, confusion, and unpredictability. But what people rarely talk about is how deeply it can affect something as personal and sacred as a love life. When I was first diagnosed, my mind ran wild with medical questions. But what kept me up at night wasn’t the next prescription or therapy. It was the worry that this illness might change the way I connect with the people…
Living with chronic illness demands resilience, adaptability, and emotional depth. While the challenges are undeniable, the experience also shapes individuals in profound ways that can translate into exceptional qualities as romantic partners. People often overlook this perspective, focusing only on what might seem difficult. But the truth is, those who live with chronic illness bring a unique blend of empathy, strength, and authenticity to relationships. Here are sixteen reasons why they make incredible life partners.…
For much of my life, I felt like I was navigating a maze blindfolded. I didn’t have the words to describe who I was or why the world around me felt so overwhelming. I only knew that I was different, and that difference carried weight. It wasn’t until I began to unpack the layers of queerness, neurodiversity, and disability within myself that I started to piece together a fuller picture. In that space where all…