Do you ever mask or diminish your needs to make others more comfortable?

You may be wondering, what is masking?

Masking is when you camouflage or hide parts of yourself to conform to social pressures. Masking can be adopted both consciously and subconsciously as a coping mechanism or a trauma response.

Masking is especially prevalent amongst marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Many disabled people are hesitant to share about their disability for fear of how they will be perceived and even discriminated against. It can sometimes feel easier to hide one's disability to "fit in".

Let me tell you: the world is a better place when you're your full, authentic self. ❤️

The more we show up as our whole, authentically disabled selves, we create a more inclusive world. When diversity is represented, it not only helps educate those around us about disabled experiences, but it normalizes our presence and the presence of our complex disabled experiences.

In some situations where the person may feel unsafe or at risk, masking can be the safest option, however in my experience as a professional in the disabled space, this is the exception rather than the rule.

I'm all about creating spaces where people can be themselves, feel comfortable being authentically disabled, and by doing so, make the world a safer and more inclusive place for everyone to exist within.

Will you confuse others if you show up as your full authentic disabled self in certain situations? Yes! Of course. You know what I say to that?

Let them be confused.

Don’t make yourself small to make others more comfortable. You belong. You have a place in the world and have so much to contribute.

Be you. And, be you boldly.

Sending love,

Charlie

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