Judy Martens

I am an artist, jeweler, mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor and lifelong advocate for women and children.  I’ve been diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, spinal nerve damage, and neuropathic chronic pain.  I am currently wheelchair dependent.  I have a Tumblr blog, “Walking through fire” named for the sensation the nerve pain causes throughout the legs.  We discuss chronic pain, feminism, witchcraft, and generally have fun; join me. At 60, I thought I had seen the causes of feminism, civil rights, LGBTIQ+, and disability rights come a long way since I was an idealistic young woman.  Then I was privileged enough to attend both the 1976 and 1980 Democratic National Conventions.  I was an activist and advocate for sexual assault and domestic violence victims. I stayed involved for many years until my health made it impossible.  I had a personal stake in the feminist movement, the disability movement.  I cared deeply about civil rights and LGBTIQ+ rights.  I believed we had made progress in all those causes.I thought that my generation had begun to get it “right”. That’s why this election broke my heart.  Not because a Republican won, but because hate won.  I want to be in Washington this Saturday very badly but it’s not possible.  I want to be there to promote love, and tolerance, and hope.  Hope that,  WE THE PEOPLE, all the people, really will someday be free, equal, safe, and respected.  That we may be free to choose our own destiny by controlling our own bodies; may be equal in pay regardless of our gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation; may be safe from sexual assault, as well as locker room talk; and may be respected by the lawmakers we elect to represent us, not the lobbyists.

2. Kim Friberg

3. I am a person of action, so when I read about the online March for people with disabilities I was thrilled. I struggle with multiple immune system definicies and a laundry list of disabilities, which makes it difficult at times for me to participate in physical protests. I make phone calls and write emails to our representatives when issues of concern arise. In addition to my disabilities, I just had a nasty stomach flu on Tuesday night and a painful virus that is making it very risky for me to participate in the local Women’s March protests; even though I really want to do so. My tenancy is to push myself to help make a difference (like I used to before I became ill). But I must think of my health first for me and my family. Having the opportunity to participate online with fellow citizens that struggle with disabilities makes me feel so much more included. It provides me with a voice, which is critical for a person like me. The new administration has an agenda that is terrifying for women’s rights, people of color, the LGBTQ community, civil rights, people with disabilities, etc.

4. Sadly disability is a common occurrence in my family. Both me and my husband are disabled; and my mother. Our grown children have health challenges that must be managed. If not it is impossible for them to care for their families, complete college, and successfully follow their dreams. We are also raising our 8 year old grandson. He has been with us since birth. Cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and/or Obamacare would be devastating for me and my entire family. Our daughters that are in college would have no health care. It is unacceptable.

Grace:  I have arthritis problems which prevent me from marching, but I want to be represented at the Disability March in the hope that a large number of participants will help remind those now in power that there are many of us real people who are affected.  We deserve to be treated with the respect due to all people. Bio: I have had arthritis for many years and feel that although my inability to walk far or stand for long periods has not diminished my ability to pursue a career.  I have raised a family and enjoy them and many activities – just not very physical ones.

Pat: Why I Am Joining The March : I am a senior with disabled kids and I am afraid

Name Jessica Reed
I’m participating in the march for women with disabilities because I am a woman with disabilities which would make it difficult to attend in person. I’m terrified what will happen to the lives of people with disabilities, including myself, my husband, many friends and clients, if Medicaid is turned into block grants or eliminated. Women’s lives depend on the services only available through Medicaid. I need to fight these threats as well as threats to Social Security programs for people with disabilities. There are so many threats to women’s lives, especially women with intersectionality that includes living with disabilities. We need to band together and support each other to fight these threats.
Bio
I’m a woman living with multiple disabilities in WI. I work as a counselor serving people with mental health conditions including but not limited to employment and benefits counseling. I live with my husband who has a disability and our herd of cats.

Why I want to march. I want to take part and be with my community. But I also know it will wipe me out for at least 1 day, if not more. I get anxious in large groups now and tire easily. And a lot of noise can make the anxiety worse. I would need breaks and a place to sit.  So while I want to go, I know I should’t for my health and that makes me sad.  I want my voice heard for women’s rights, immigrant’s rights, disabilty rights. For the rights of ALL humans to be treated equally with decency and compassion. So I will do what I can in orher ways. Contact senators about the ACA. Explain what people would really be losing if they take away health care reform and how they likely will be impacted whether they know it or not. Tell others my story so they see “disabled” as not only someone not like them they don’t care about, but someone they know.

 

The primary reason I am joining the march is due to my opposition to repealing the affortable care act which affects me and the rest of the disabled community.  I now live in fear of the repeal of the preexisting condition and medicare as so many people need it.  I feel like our voice doesnt matter.  My mental health & substance abuse counseling practice believes in bringing hope to the hopeless, but now Im the hopeless.  President elect Trump please consider everyone, not just the .01%. You are know the President of the United States not President of the .01%. The disabled, minoritied, women, & veterans must be heard.
Tamara P. Williams, LPC, MAC, CSAC

Isabella: Why I Am Joining The March : I’m a mentally ill, queer, latino looking, mixed raced, teenage girl. I’m pretty much screwed if this ridiculousness and hatred continues. Nobody should feel unsafe, not just me but anyone.

Holly Perez: Why I Am Joining The March : I am joining to show the youth that we can stand up and stand together against Hatred and discrimination.

Tyeast Pettit: I am an African American disabled woman and former registered nurse.  I am joining the march to send the message to our government leaders that they have an obligation to be representative of ALL citizens, not just a select few. I am marching for the continuation and expansion of medical research, affordable health care and prescription drugs, protection of Medicare and social security, fair and compassionate immigration policies, LGBT rights, religious tolerance, racial justice, reproductive rights, livable wages, equal pay, love, peace and tolerance.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to join the Women’s March!
I am one of over ten million Americans whose lives have been needlessly devastated by specific chemicals in building materials, consumer products, fossil fuel emissions, and synthetic biocodes.  Our tenuous survival depends on:  (1) thoughtful evidence based stewardship of the environment; (2) objective longitudinal chemical vetting and regulaton; (3) transparent reporting of chemical usage; (4) preserving Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Obamacare/ACA; and (5) and reinforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fair Housing Act (as amended).
I also join our sister marchers who vote:
NO to anyone who unleashes divisiveness as a marketing tool or brand;
NO to anyone who seeks power through threats of exclusion or violence;
NO to those who deny gender equity;
NO to those who wish to impose their personal choices on a country founded on the promise of religious freedom;
NO to those who declare a mandate despite losing the popular vote;
NO to nominees selected for their personal biases or wealth rather than relevant professional, practical, or life
experience;
NO to those who refuse to allow facts to interfere with their opinions;NO to those who wish to change laws in ways that diminish human rights;
NO to those who refuse due process to citizens at home or detainees at Guantanamo and elsewhere;
NO to those who would despoil our air, soil, or water;
NO to those whose singular focus is profit motive without regard for workers’ health, safety, dignity, and welfare;
NO to those who reject or diminish individuals perceived as “different” from them, whether due to age, country of origin,
gender, physical or mental ability, race, religious faith, sexual orientation, or socio-economic class;  and
NO to those who diregard our richest natural resource of all  — the will of the people.
Karin Olsson
Massachusetts

My name is Pat.
I’m 57, disabled since the age of 30.  When Trump mocked the disabled reporter it cut me to the core.  It shows his lack of empathy towards those who are disabled as well as the lack of character he’s shown throughout the campaign.
I’m a former medical technologist, having worked in hospitals and a community blood center before become disabled with chronic illnesses.

I am joining due to disability being thrust into the accusations made by the CDC. Creating Havoc upon those of us who suffer with chronic pain. We have been hurt by the falsifying of Records by the CDC. As diabetics depend on insulin to maintain their day to day function.
Many of us depend upon opiates to have a sibilance of normalcy in life. We did not choose chronic pain, and we are not  addicts.
REMOVE THE CDC FROM OUR DR’s OFFICE. THE DEA FROM OUR PHAMACY.
And return the Hippocratic Oath to our Physician Services.

A 15 year old girl with brown hair and freckles holding up a sign that says BEYOUTIFUL
Presley
I’m joining this march because I have sensory issues and I cannot be in a very loud and crowded environment, even though I would love to participate in person. I’m so glad this is an opportunity to stand up for my beliefs and still participate.
I am a happy 15 year old Massachusetts girl, who has a learning disability and anxiety. I don’t let these things hold me back, because I’m strong. I’m “Marching” for my beliefs that, women’s rights are human rights!!!!

I had a near death car accident 6 years ago and combined with bad arthritis walk with a walker. I have been a professional woman all my career and experienced misogyny and oppression every step of the way. I am a direct person and was often criticized as aggressive while male colleagues who did the same were considered strong and assertive. Male supervisors wanted me to be their handmaiden and they would be the one who took credit. My husband and I switched roles as a choice of having one parent at home over 20 years ago and had to listen to friends and family ask when my husband was going to go back to work like the work he was doing was not valuable.
Thank you for creating this way of participating in the Women’s March
Barbara G. Rebold

Mental Illness is one of the invisible diseases that cripple many Americans including me. I wish to be included in the Disability March on Washington because I don’t want ACA or any other of the social services poorer and disabled Americans need to live to be repealed. Mental illness stygmatizes people.  People don’t always “see” an illness, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t debilitate the disabled one. I can’t be there in body but I am participating in spirit.

1. Kelleygrl
2. I’m joining the march because I’m scared to death of what will happen to me when the Republicans attack my Medicare and SSDI. I have RSD/CRPS do to a surgeon butchering my foot. The statute of limitations was ended just as a new surgeon found the root of my issues, but then, it was too late. I want to protect the rights of people who are vulnerable, due to race, religion or disability.
3. I worked as a teacher in inner city Detroit for 23 years before I became disabled. My heart was broken when I had to leave the classroom and now, I am still disabled, but want to find a new job, but I cannot drive my stick shift car due to disability and don’t have the funds for a new one. If there was funding for job training, a car and car insurance, I would be able to get back in the workforce advocating for people who don’t have the resources to do it themselves.

Bio:  I have a disability.  I do everything I can to help others.

My name is Susan. I am unable to attend the Washington March because I have a neurodegenerative disease that limits my mobility and causes other complications.
I want to attend because this is not about Republican and Democrat for me. It is about the need for civility; dignity for all; the rights of all persons; respect for the office of the presidency and the institution of government with all its flaws; understanding of the larger picture, including America’s place in the world; and so much more.
It is my intention to move beyond fear, despair, and shame into peace and meaningful action in my corner of the world.

Please count me in as virtually marching with you.

 

I am a 45-year-old white woman with short ash blonde/light brown hair. I am wearing a black sweater with white flowers at the top. I am sitting in a restaurant with a wooden background. My nicknames are “Smiley” and “The Bionic Woman.” Use whichever one you like. I’m joining because I’ve been disabled since 14. I severely injured my knees and had a concussion that later caused epilepsy. I nearly died twice from status epilepticus. I am not able to drive after studying to be a reporter. I did community reporting and other jobs, but faced discrimination over seizures. I can’t work now. I’ve had 7 operations on my knees in the past 5 years, including bilateral replacements. I’ve had 20 total. I’m scared I will lose my health benefits and may die under Trump’s Administration. No one understands until they live in another person’s shoes. Even then, I don’t think he or his Cabinet will understand. I live in public housing, where I was attacked twice. I can’t afford to live anywhere else. If I could walk, I’d be with you. Here’s my virtual march. With you all the way! I am a 45-year-old lifelong Bostonian. I graduated from Boston Latin School and went to BU on scholarship. I received degrees in Journalism and Political Science (when both fields were respected). I later received a Masters in Public Affairs (now Administration) From UMass Boston. I worked for several local papers. I worked in government and with the elderly. After being discriminated against in my last 2 jobs for having epilepsy, I became an unpaid disability rights advocate and a freelance writer.

SS

Statement: I march because I believe in disability rights and the ability of ALL people to live in a safe, secure world and with comprehensive healthcare.

Annette R.: I spent the first 38 years of my life as a conservative Republican, but Donald Trump woke me up! I quit the GOP July 2016 and while I do retain some conservative  such as pro-life, I will never vote Republican again! As a disabled woman on SSI, I am in the crosshairs of the GOP and Trump, as they will now work to make life unbearable and unliveable for those of us who are elderly, disabled, low income and otherwise vulnerable. As a Jewish woman whose parents lived through World War Two, I am terrified of Trump also, because everything he has said reminds me of the 1930s as my parents told me about it. I feel as if we are living that time again.

Katie  Due to financial difficulties, I am not able to attend the Women’s March on Washington, and as my disability keeps me from driving, lack of available transportation makes it so that I am unable to attend any local sister marches. However, I refuse to let my inability to attend physically stop me from joining in the fight to protect and recognize women’s rights and disability rights as equal rights.

My name is Katie. I am 27 years-old and I am a lifelong Michigander. I have spastic quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy along with balance issues, making it so that I use either a walker or wheelchair for mobility. I am currently getting my Master’s Degree in Disability Studies, and am fighting to make the world a more accommodating and accessible place for everyone.