Editor’s Note: My friend, Katherine Magnoli had an opinion on my latest article Not Ashamed Month. This is her opinion. Don’t you love discussing a topic to gain different perspectives? Read on!
I recently read an article written by my friend, Nathasha Alvarez, who happens to be the founder of this publication. The article was a deep dive look that gave the reader a clear picture into her mind’s eye point of view on the subject of Disability Pride Month. She quickly lets the readers know that she is not for celebrating Disability Pride Month because she indeed is not proud of her disability. She goes on to say that she is, however, in no way ashamed of her disability.
This struck me as interesting because isn’t the absence of shame indeed what pride is? The exact definition of the word pride is as follows: “Consciousness of one’s own dignity.” Now, correct me if I am wrong but that to me screams confidence and lack of shame. Right? So with all due respect Nathasha, I must tell you that you exhibit Disability Pride in all that you do. Your audacious way of living and being unapologetically you and referring to yourself as a “ Latina Diva on Wheels” is a prime example of what disability pride is. At least, in my humble opinion, that is what disability pride means to me.
To give a clearer understanding of what disability pride is, it is the simple act of waking up every morning, doing your routine to start the day and preparing yourself for the day that is in store. (My personal routine consists of eating breakfast/brushing my teeth/washing my face, journaling, doing a word search puzzle, and finally getting dressed to start my day.)
Once you are done with your morning routine, the pride you encompass then creates a ripple effect when you choose to show up, to wherever it is you are going, with the knowledge that you belong. This feeling can be felt in a place of business, a doctor’s office, a classroom, a government building, or working from home. Whatever it is that you do, you tackle the task with the confidence that you belong and you add value to the community that you are a part of in that given moment. Furthermore, pride is shining a light of wisdom and energy that is uniquely designed by your lived experience. Thus, it is not allowing the negative opinions of others to defer you from your life’s purpose. So, my dear friend, Natasha, I hate to break the news to you but you are the exact definition of what Disability Pride encompasses. Which is why you are and will continue to be the “Latina Diva on Wheels” that you are!
Editor’s Note: Interesting, right? What did you think? Put your thoughts in the comments. And be sure to check out Katherine’s site where you can find her books. https://katgirlandfriends.com/
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