From Frustration to Advocacy: A Journey of Disability Rights and Social Change

Rights Upfront

In this powerful and emotive episode of our podcast, we sit down with an inspiring advocate for disability rights who began her journey at Leeds Uni in 2016. With the evolution of her blog into a force for societal transformation, she challenges us to rethink our perceptions of disability. Join us as we delve into topics such as Down Syndrome Day, the personal impact of living with a disability, and the complex dynamics of social media interaction.
My guest candidly shares the emotional toll that comes with her lived experience, emphasizing the need for empathy and allyship in the fight against ableism. We discuss the critical role of support systems and celebrate the contributions of disabled people in all aspects of society.
Listen to personal stories, laugh with us, and be part of the conversation as we explore how to make the world more inclusive for everyone.
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Chapters:
00:06 - Advocating for Disability Rights and Visibility
13:12 - Navigating Challenges of Disability Awareness
17:58 - Challenging Ableism and Empathy
25:27 - Lackluster Conclusion and Social Media Promotion
Key Quotes:
"I'm a very emotional person and when I'm out and about, I'm very observant and I can see how people see me and I can see that they're not seeing me the way that I am."
- Advocating for Disability Rights and Visibility
"I break bones regularly. That's what I do. So when people ask me like what's the beginning, like how it all started, first of all, I don't know, because I was a baby and no one remembers that."
- Navigating Challenges of Disability Awareness
"Don't be scared to get it wrong... Try, have the conversation, ask. Ask about access requirements, just like you would about dietary requirements. Make it a normal conversation and it will become a normal conversation."
- Challenging Ableism and Empathy
Connect with Gem:
- Follow our guest on social media: Gem Turner (@gem_turner)
- Visit her website: www.gemturner.com
Join our podcast community for more discussions that inspire change and foster understanding.
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