Broadwaybabyto<p>When I started The Disabled Ginger I sent it to my friends and family … as most of us do. </p><p>I was proud that I was finally standing up for disability rights. That I was taking my pain and putting it on the page in an effort to help others. That I had found something that lit a spark inside me. </p><p>Unfortunately, many of my friends didn’t feel the same way. </p><p>My disabilities are invisible, and I had become very good at hiding them. Apparently that’s what people expected of me, as they didn’t like this “new” version of Kelly. </p><p>Almost none of my friends subscribed. What’s worse, many stopped talking to me. Or would only reply in brief texts. </p><p>It’s almost been a year since I launched, and my circle is noticeably smaller. Many people I thought I was close with haven’t reached out for nearly 6 months. </p><p>When you find your purpose and your passion, it’s an incredible feeling. Hopefully people support you. </p><p>Not everyone will. And that’s ok. </p><p>It’s painful seeing so many relationships fade away. It hurts knowing they don’t see the value in me now that I’m “officially” disabled. </p><p>As painful as it is, it’s also a perfect example of why I became an advocate. Ableism is a huge problem. Being disabled can be incredibly lonely. I wanted to give a voice to those who haven’t yet found theirs. </p><p>In the process I’ve met incredible people from all over the world who inspire me to keep going. Who give me a reason to write every day. Who remind me of the compassion, love and goodness that’s still out there. </p><p>Thank you to each and every one of you. I couldn’t do this alone. </p><p>My latest looks at the reasons we hide, and what would happen if we all decided to stop hiding and show the world the realities of chronic illness: </p><p><a href="https://www.disabledginger.com/p/why-are-chronically-ill-people-forced" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">disabledginger.com/p/why-are-c</span><span class="invisible">hronically-ill-people-forced</span></a></p><p><a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/chronicillness" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>chronicillness</span></a> <a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/longcovid" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>longcovid</span></a> <a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/mecfs" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>mecfs</span></a> <a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/ableism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>ableism</span></a> <a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/disability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>disability</span></a> <a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/disabilityrights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>disabilityrights</span></a> <a href="https://zeroes.ca/tags/eugenics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>eugenics</span></a></p>