Racism disproportionately affects Black disabled women. We are often impoverished, disrespected, neglected, abused, and discarded. When symptoms arise in public, Black, disabled women are also not given the same grace or autonomy as others. How can we celebrate this performative breadcrumb of a holiday when true repair has never been implemented and reparations are still owed to the descendants of enslaved Africans for the endless harms chattel slavery brought to my people?
Real repair is ongoing material redistribution: Donate to Black disabled women for a more equitable future.
Last week I experienced anti-Black medical trauma at the hands of a yup… you guessed it…whyt doctor. She had prescribed medications that caused damage to my eyes and worsened the eczema flare ups on my face. This doctor knows I am living with Type 1 [diabetes] and yet during my first visit with her, she still encouraged me to use medications that are simply not suitable for melanated skin or someone with T1D. The way she said “dark” dripped with clear contempt.
During the follow up last week, I explained to the intake nurse that since using the cream, my skin flare ups had gotten worse and the pressure in my eyes had increased according to my ophthalmologist— this terrifies me as Glaucoma has always been a concern of mine. This led me to stop using the prescribed medications.
When the doctor walked in, she was dismissive; treated me like an annoyance, as if my concerns had offended her. She blamed me for the new flare-ups and said, “Since you’re refusing to follow the care plan I created, there’s nothing else we can do for you here.”
I won’t be a patient of Dr. Melissa M. Camouse or her practice, El Segundo Dermatology. I deserve better care.
Fuck Black History Month without real repair or accountability. Fuck ableism, racism, and colorism, and fuck anyone in power who uses it to harm.
“Nurses and doctors are to Black women what police are to Black men”
In spaces where I should be met with care and dignity, I am met with violence. The truth: Navigating anti-Black ableism and misogynoir in this country is making me more disabled. And as my symptoms increased, so do my expenses. It’s a cycle that never ends.
This isn’t abstract. It shows up in the “simple” tasks people take for granted. Living with Type 1 diabetes means that I struggle to do simple tasks that the average able bodied person can easily accomplish without having to pre-plan or perform medical interventions.
Cooking plant based meals (which I love to do!) can only be accomplished sometimes with extended breaks, accommodations, sudden dips in blood sugar or even fatigue to the point where I can’t finish cooking the meal.
Because of my disability, cleaning my apartment isn’t always possible. When my blood sugar drops, I have severe anxiety and intense flare ups that take me out for days. I dream of being able to have the consistent support to help keep my sacred space clean.
Prolonged care for Black, disabled folks isn’t prioritized. The economic disparities and the inability to keep up with capitalism prevents many Black, disabled, women from having resources that make daily care more manageable. Even my family of origin has neglected me. Calling me “lazy,” “entitled,” and “dramatic,” when I would plead for help. This contributes to why I’m no contact today.
Ableism is a direct byproduct of racism and capitalism. If you can’t produce profit, this system (and people) treat you as disposable.
Redistribution is repair. Mutual aid is love. If you benefit from racist systems, I’m asking you to move resources to support my survival.
Venmo: @Dalyce-Wilson
Cashapp: $WilsonDalyce
PayPal: Blackbird-Vegan
Zelle: dalycewilson@gmail.com
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