Disability is about power. I have differences in my body and mind; I’m excluded from important aspects of life: social, cultural, financial. Of course everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Small differences are tolerated, like being nearsighted and able to correct that with glasses. Big differences in mobility and how our senses work, not being able… Read More »
“Thank you for the 90 ways you’re patient with me,” I told Ming. I have been somewhat out of my mind lately. “You’re welcome,” Ming said. “What about me?” I asked. “Was I ever patient with you?” “I’ve lost count,” Ming said. dinner I was frying some veggie sausages as we had this conversation. Ming… Read More »
Hello, reader. You know how stuff is happening all around us constantly? I have some basic, obvious reactions. But the truth is, I have ten reactions, and some of them are quiet. If I have ten reactions, number nine and number ten might be tiny whispers. People say I have “delayed processing,” often the case… Read More »
Hello, reader–how are you doing? You know how you read some books when you were young that shook your world and changed you forever? For me The Wanderground by Sally Miller Gearhart was one of those books. I read this speculative fiction when I was a teenager–like most of what I read at the time,… Read More »
Hello, reader. How are you doing? Local activist Candice Yemaya has passed over to the other side. I was crying yesterday when I found out, shocked. Rest in peace as we continue your vital community organizing work. I first met Candice in my backyard when Ming and I lived at Walnut Street Co-op. There was… Read More »
Hello, reader. How are you doing? I want to share my venmo. Maybe you’re looking for a way to support me, my art, my activism, or my writing if you enjoy it over time. You could specify an area to apply the funds, like web hosting or zine postage. Or Ming and I can ponder… Read More »
Hello, reader. How are you doing? Trying to be responsible, I’m seeking medical care and dental care. I’m trying a new Nurse Practitioner after a bad experience with the last one. Today I’m thinking about what I need from a doctor. I’ve had decades of medical trauma. Previously I’d preferred to be shot, over going… Read More »
Hello, this is a story about a teacher who inspired me named Jervey Tervalon. Lots of inspiring teacher stories, but this one ends in a way you might not expect. job Once upon a time I was a young adult and didn’t know what to do with my life. Well, I knew I was queer… Read More »
Hello, reader. How are you doing? I’m not really against diagnosis. But sometimes I’m annoyed at how my friends seek diagnosis as validation. Why is the opinion of a doctor so important? You’re a valid person, no matter what a doctor says or doesn’t say. Please don’t give those gatekeeping enforcers more power than they… Read More »
Hello, reader. Happy new year–how are you? Do you have experience talking with kids about racism? I was sad the other day, remembering when I worked on a reservation in the Eastern Sierras in California and I flubbed an opportunity. race Talking with kids about racism is confusing because I respect kids as bright people… Read More »