What does it mean to choose disability as an identity, not just a condition?
Kate Levinstein wears many fascinating hats: musician, healer, dancer, community builder, and many more. In recent years one of these hats—manager of a health condition—has led her to embrace becoming someone who chooses to identify as disabled.
This is the first time Kate has spoken publicly about this identity shift, and I’m honored to share it with you.
I recorded this interview with her a year ago (this is why workhumpers say we need bosses), but it still sits with me in the best way as one of the most thought-provoking, challenging conversations I’ve had on this podcast.
In a bit over an hour, we discuss:
Kate’s gradual journey to embracing disabled as an identity, and how it has enriched her life.
The nuanced and varied definitions of a “person with a disability,” including its dimensions as a political identity.
The trap of feeling the need to seem “impressive” and how it interplays with feeling happy and proud with the life you have.
How disability advocacy mirrors the messiness of democracy more closely than arguably any other issue.
Rethinking what we mean by “needs,” “demands,” and “desires”
The power dynamics of negotiating how a group meets an individual’s needs.
Disability justice as the antithesis of our societal obsession with convenience.
The concept of “access intimacy” and communicating directly when you can’t (or simply don’t want to) meet someone else’s needs.
Some of the resources Kate mentions:
You can contact Kate for further discussion at KateWrenHealing@gmail.com
If you’ve ever wrestled with labels, expectations, or the politics of care, this one’s for you.
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