Welcome to The Disabled Ginger!
I’m Kelly the Disabled Ginger — formerly broadwaybabyto — a long time theatre critic turned disability advocate and chronically ill writer. My health took a turn a number of years ago and made it impossible for me to continue attending and writing about the arts. After a number of very bleak and isolating years I came to the conclusion that I was still, at my core, a writer. I missed it desperately but didn’t think anyone would want to read about my illnesses.
Then the pandemic hit.
When the first cases of Long Covid appeared in the news and on social media - I realized that the chronic illness community was going to see an influx of new members. People who would be experiencing disability for the first time and face all the challenges and struggles I had been dealing with for years. Who may not know how to navigate the healthcare system, how to deal with gaslighting and ableism or how to maintain a baseline.
That’s how The Disabled Ginger came to be. I started this newsletter as a way of taking the lessons I’ve learned over years of struggling with complex illness and use them to help others. My goal is for this to a be a place people can come to learn about disability, find community and compassion and ask all the questions they might have no one else to ask.
I’m so glad you’re here! We really are stronger together.
I understand how limited energy can be when you’re chronically ill - so I’m honoured you are considering spending some of your spoons with me. Please get cozy, peruse the archive and feel safe to come and go as you please. There are no expectations here. I don’t want anyone to feel pressured to comment or engage - or feel guilty if they can’t read an article. I want this to be YOUR space as much as it is MINE - and you can participate as little or as much as you want.
My goal is to create a welcoming and safe community for disabled and chronically ill people as well as their families, friends, loved ones and healthcare workers who wish to learn more about the disabled experience. Everyone is welcome - and I endeavour to respond and participate with you as much as my health will allow.
Subscription is free - and here’s what you can expect if you subscribe:
Weekly articles (health permitting) that focus on being disabled during a pandemic, how to safely access healthcare, how to deal with interpersonal relationships and ableism, how to be an advocate for yourself and others and so much more. Want to dive right in? Start with this article which was part of a 5 part series on the hospital experience as a disabled individual.
News articles from the disabled point of view. When something happens that could have a tremendous impact on our lives - I will write about it. My goal is to keep YOU informed of things that could impact your health and well being. I’ve written extensively on the North Carolina and Nassau County mask bans, as well as the World Health Organization’s decision to upgrade their indoor air quality while telling the world it was safe to go back to work/school. Speaking of school - here’s an article I wrote about whether the kids are alright:
Bonus articles (health permitting) that focus on ways I’ve adapted and accepted my illnesses to maximize quality of life and minimize suffering. I will never promise a cure - instead I will share things that have helped me cope. Diet, lifestyle, meditation, yoga, minimalism… the list is endless and I’ve tried just about everything! I look forward to sharing what worked and what didn’t.
Up to date information on Covid. Let’s face it - the pandemic is far from over despite what governments and public health might be telling us. I want this to be a place where people can be empowered to learn how to better protect themselves and their families. You can expect to learn about masks, clean air, ventilation and more - as well as tips and tricks for coping with Long Covid. If you want to learn more - start here!
Compassion, kindness and support. A non-judgemental place to ask questions. Encouragement to help YOU find YOUR passion. Writing won’t be the answer for everyone - but I’m committed to helping people find the thing that lights them up and gives them purpose. The thing that makes your heart sing, gives you a reason to get out of bed and comforts you in your darkest hours.
A community. I genuinely want people to feel at home. Those who already follow me on social media platforms like Twitter/X know that I love writing threads about my experiences - and that I try to engage and respond to everyone who comments. I want people to feel safe asking tough questions, sharing stories and requesting help and support. I will encourage everyone to find their inner gumption and embrace their sass and strength - because we are ALL incredibly strong. Living with chronic illness is challenging - doing it during a global pandemic that the majority of the world have chosen to ignore? Makes you a warrior.
Spoons permitting - a monthly chat with my subscribers where you can ask questions, get advice, share stories and more. I want this to become a place where everyone feels comfortable and where you can get quick replies for pressing disability and chronic illness related issues.
It’s time to get cozy (or in my case -horizontal) and dive in. I encourage you to introduce yourself on this post - I will keep the thread open and revisit it regularly to welcome people and respond to any questions or comments. If you’re not comfortable publicly commenting - you’re welcome to send me an email as well.
If you know me from another social media site and you want to drop your handle - I promise I will remember who you are! Every single person who’s supported my writing over the last year was an integral part of me launching this site - and you all have my heartfelt thanks.
If it wasn’t for people reading, sharing and commenting - sending me messages explaining how my writing helped them - I probably would have quit a long time ago. You make doing this worthwhile - never ever forget that.
Let’s all find our inner gumption together and tell our stories - the good, the bad and the heartbreaking. We should not and can not be silenced… and if we keep speaking out in unison we just might change the world.
Find me elsewhere on the web:
“It’s not what the world holds for you - it’s what you bring to it that matters.” Lucy Maud Montgomery
