I’m “marching” because the rate of sexual assault among youth with disabilities is twice the rate of able-bodied youth, and our country just elected a sexual predator who openly mocked a person with disabilities as president. I literally cannot contemplate this travesty without tears.
There exists in our society an odd paradox regarding people with disabilities and sexuality. We are either viewed as asexual beings – especially those of us who use wheelchairs for mobility—or as perfect targets for sexual predators. This further complicates our already complex lives.
I always knew that sexual assault or rape was a strong possibility, but at the age of 25, I finally decided to just accept it and move forward with my life, hoping for the best. The first time I kissed someone, that evening ended with my introduction to sexual assault. It was the first time, but it wasn’t the last. The majority of men I dated behaved as if they were lowering themselves to grant me their attention. They seemed to believe that I would gratefully spread my legs because having sex with me was some kind of favor. I never expressed to any of these men that I was interested in sex. Not once.
This is exactly what Donald Trump has bragged about doing. When I first heard the infamous “grab them by the pussy” quote, it brought back memories of my own assault experiences, especially the first one, which was digital rape. No person, regardless of gender, has the right to touch another person in an intimate way without permission.
I am not less. I am not your fucking charity case. I do not accept a sexual predator as my president.
Lindsay is a writer, activist, and animal rescuer. She has been physically challenged since birth due to Spina Bifida, and has developed Autoimmune Disease and Fibromyalgia. She enjoys fighting the patriarchy, campaigning for equal rights, educating the ignorant masses, spending time with her precious furkids, and having consensual sex. She hopes to be able to enter the field of Social Work in order to be the change she wishes to see in the world.
Disability March 