I Just Wanna See People Who Look Like Me

When I’m scrolling through Twitter or Instagram looking at photos, I just wanna see people who look like me. I just wanna see people in wheelchairs on vacation, spending time with friends, or even doing the mondane stuff like cooking a meal or cleaning their room.

I don’t want to them framed in some weird inspirational light with #nolimits, #dontLetTheChairStopYou, or #staypositive. I don’t want to see pictures of disabled bodies being used as propaganda for able‐bodied people to get off their couches and exercise more.

I just wanna see people who look like me.

I want to see a picture of someone fishing or playing with their kids and not be told how #inspirational the person is just for existing.

I don’t want to see disabled bodies being used to shame and motivate. I don’t want to have to constantly dig through layer after layer of ableist content just so I can feel connected to the disabled community.

I don’t want to see disabled athletes, artists, and authors avoid honest critique and criticism just because they happen to be disabled. Disabled people are allowed to be bad at stuff.

I just wanna see people who look like me.