our names and lives matter

24 May 2020

I had a friend, who would occasionally pull me up on how I attribute too much of my life to all sorts of ‘privilege’. I include basic stuff in my list, like being given a voice that people listened to, being educated and loved. I guess my friend felt I am undermining my own value, or trying to seem like I understand my place in society more than I do. He probably feels like I am doing both, and neither is really productive in any moment. But when you read these stories of torture and suffering, realise that they happen every day and that this is our society. I do feel enormously privileged to be sitting in my house, to feel safe, supported and valued. And exponentially more so, considering I am a physically disabled female human, who can’t speak and has mental health issues.