Source: Paul Archuleta / Getty
As we recognize World Disability Awareness Day (December 3), it’s important to remember those who aren’t just afflicted by stigma every day, but also the same folks who are fighting stigma with their respective accomplishments and resources.
Many folks are using their platforms on social media to elevate information about their respective disabilities and how they redefine normal by letting people in on their daily lives. Check out some of the people featured down below.
1 Annie Segarra
Annie Segarra is a YouTuber and artist who identifies as an intersectional activist. As a person who identifies as Latinx, queer, and has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, she advocates for accessibility, body positivity and diverse media representation.
2 Jillian Mercado
This Dominican-American fashion star is signed by IMG and is one of the few models in the industry who are physically disabled. She is a wheelchair user who has muscular dystrophy and regularly challenges beauty ideals with her platform.
3 Chella Man
A triple threat (visual artist, model and YouTube vlogger), this Jewish-Chinese, deaf and trans person thrives and resists any type of norm.
4 Eddie Ndopu
Ndopu wasn’t expected to live past five years old with spinal muscular atrophy. But now at 28, MTV recently announced they would be following this South African queer academic in his pursuit of becoming the first person with a disability to travel through space.
5 Molly Bourke
Known for her popular YouTube channel, Molly Bourke regularly breaks down the stigma of what a blind person can do.
6 Abby Sams
As part of the “Aerie Bras Make You Feel Real Good” campaign, Abby Sams made her debut as one of the first underwear models to appear in a U.S. national campaign in a wheelchair.
