Smart, isn’t she? Great colours. Her name is Sabrina, The Teenage Stick, and she’s been a constant companion to me for the last couple of years as I wobble through the city. In 2019, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my hip, and have been referred for a hip replacement operation. It’s been a long, painful process.
It’s been tough, I’m not going to lie. I’ve been screamed at from men in cars at night, ridiculed, stared at with pity like I’m a sick puppy, and cyclists have tried to drive through me, on pavements. Other people simply ignore me. But others are decent enough.
At least 20% of the UK is disabled, and yet there’s still a long way to go. Visibility is important, but how many positive representations of disabled people are there on films, in theatre and TV? I’d like this to be redressed, and normalised, instead of making everyone either figures of pity, or the tired “triumph over adversity” trope.
Blaine Harrison from Mystery Jets is an advocate for disabled musicians. He’s got stripey crutches, having been born with spina bifida, and lots of energy and humour. He’s a patron of the brilliant disability charity, Attitude Is Everything, who campaign for wider opportunities and visibility. He’s also spoken out on making venues more accessible. This is important. I recently missed out on a Kim Gordon gig in Glasgow, as the venue she was performing at had no lifts, and many stairs. This meant I couldn’t review her. I was gutted.
We’ve a long way to go. I often tell people I’m doing a vaudeville act, because I’m bored of explaining and it amuses me. We keep going, Sabrina and I, one wobbly step at a time.
Hit The North 
I have admired your voice, your mind, and now, your spirit and humor, too. I bet if anyone gives you shit, Sabrina’s good for that, too.
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Thanks Cookie. I wouldn’t wallop anyone- it’s tempting at times, though!
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I feel your sentiments about being looked at with pity. But you are one tough lady out there! I can’t even go out alone!
Though our circumstances are quite different, we’ll make it through. I probably should give my stick a name, as well. I only call it ‘my leg’ every time my toddler nephew and niece would try to steal it from me and use it as their microphone. I’ll join you and Sabrina in one wobbly step at a time.
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Thank you, what a lovely comment. 🌹I’m paddling like a duck caught in weeds,really! Keep going, just keep on, you’ve got this.
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