When I'm faced with exclusion and ableism, I find it productive to use these stories in a piece of writing or a speech. I did that at a conference - I spoke in front of 1500 people at the Melbourne Town Hall (!) last week. It was for Progress 2017. A couple of months ago I … [Read more...]
Facial difference as evil in Wonder Woman (and role models you should follow).
I went to see Wonder Woman this afternoon. I really enjoyed it - loved Diana's strength, resilience, no bullshit attitude and her belief in love. The costumes were amazing. But you know what saddened me? That the villain - Dr Poison - had a facial difference. Jason mentioned … [Read more...]
Behind the scenes on You Can’t Ask That
Tonight is the screening of the facial differences episode of You Can't Ask That on the ABC. It's on at 9.00 pm. I am so excited! I'm having a viewing party in Melbourne - details here. You can get your tickets at the venue if you want to come. I was asked to take part in You … [Read more...]
Disability slurs in football must be given the same punishment as racial and homophobic slurs.
This piece contains ableist and racist language. It also contains discussion about football, which is uncharacteristic of me. Heath Shaw, a Greater Western Sydney footballer, used the R word toward another player as an on-field sledge last Saturday. He apologised … [Read more...]
What kind of person laughs at a stranger’s face?
What kind of person laughs at a stranger's face? I went to see Jimmy Barnes at the Regent Theatre last night. Twenty minutes before the show, I queued up for a bottle of water. A woman (probably in her 50s) in front of my turned around and saw me. She laughed at me. I … [Read more...]