Confidence and self-love can be challenging to maintain when you’re living with a disability. My disease, FOP, is progressive so I continuously have had to adapt to new physical limitations. I’ve struggled with body issues and many insecurities throughout my life. Before social media, I had a difficult time finding acceptance – in both society and within myself.
The Twitter hashtag #DisabledAndCute was recently created by a writer named Keah Brown as a sort of personal celebration of self-love. It quickly went viral* within the disability community and ended up becoming an empowering opportunity for others to share a bit of their lives with the world. I decided to participate in the trend and tweeted two photos, not expecting a huge response.
I looked through some of the other tweets after posting mine and was inspired by everyone’s courage. Some shared photos of themselves with simple captions, while others wrote about their disabilities. All of the tweets I saw were powerful, honest, and beautiful. I immediately felt so connected to them, even though I didn’t know anyone personally.
The world felt a little smaller, somehow safer, more inclusive. It felt like we were all one big family without even having any direct interaction with each other.
“The goal was simply to share a bit of her own journey of self-love and acceptance… But the reaction to her tweet was an outpouring of support and tons of responses.” (from an article about Keah’s #DisabledAndCute trend)
I woke up the next morning to see that my tweet had already been retweeted (shared) over 40 times with 150+ likes. By the end of the day, it had nearly 750 likes. A few days later, more than 950 likes and around 200 retweets. The amount of able-bodied allies showing their support for every single person’s tweet was truly amazing. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced, especially on a platform like Twitter.
The Internet isn’t always the safest place for people who are different. There seems to always be those unable to empathize with what others may be going through. The #DisabledAndCute trend will hopefully continue to help more people see our individuality despite any of our disabilities.
The second photo I tweeted was of me with a fluffy Black Russian Terrier dog. We met him and his friendly owner while I was on vacation in San Diego, California last fall. I’m standing unposed, which isn’t my preferred stance, but it’s the most comfortable. My left hip has been in an FOP flare-up off and on for over five years. It has caused me so much stress and grief, especially when I’ve seen certain photos of myself. As a teenager, my natural stance and gait were harsh reminders of my reality. As an adult, I’m working on accepting that both of these things make me who I am.
I’ve loved seeing this hashtag trend grow so quickly overnight (and still going strong a week later). There’s been incredible media support, including BuzzFeed, Upworthy, and Mashable. I also discovered that PopSugar Beauty featured my tweet along with a few others for their write-up! Author Emily Orofino says that she hopes the popularity of #DisabledAndCute will “help prove… that the two terms are far from being mutually exclusive.”
Disabled and cute. Not disabled but cute or cute but disabled. I’m embracing that perspective more and more each day.
PopSugar article: click here
Link to my tweet: click here
#DisabledAndCute the best hashtag pic.twitter.com/x00XM3jNmP
— Jasmin Floyd (@twoskeletons) February 14, 2017
*According to Dictionary.com: posts go viral when they “become popular by circulating quickly from person to person” and “spread rapidly via the Internet, email, or other media.”
I just saw your story through the Washington Post. Thank you for sharing your story. As an Occupational Therapist I understand the adaptations that you have to make, but it helps to hear how you feel about your experiences. You are beautiful and have a beautiful spirit. Keep shining!
Che Dio ti benedica! God bless you!
You are amazing. I work for an organization called Christian Horizons, which allows me the honour of working with adults who have exceptional needs. I am continuously amazed and grateful for being able to do life with such incredible people. I really yearn for a world that is entirely inclusive. You’re courage and bravery with sharing your story, struggles and insights are such a gift. thank you for sharing!
I am blown away by your humble strength. I think you surpassed cute and are quite lovely! But bubbly and cute certainly seem to fit your personality! May God give you all you need to carry this most challenging burden.
Live in Montana and read the Post story. We could totally hang out. Keep going, and remember its ok that it’s not ok sometimes. Thanks for my reminder keep my mind thinking right even when it wants to think otherwise. What a cutester!
You are cute and seem funny to me. After reading the blog I want to hug you.
I read about this disease before out of curiosity and what I read here made me your fan. You are such an interesting personality.
There’s a demon and there’s an angel
There’s an agony and there’s a hope
Advancing demon and giggling angel
I wish I could give you a rope. :))
Mail me if you like to be friends.
Wishes and cheers to you!
I saw your story on Washington Post and was truly inspired by your powerful spirit and dogged resilience. It’s amazing how you accept your disAbility as part of what makes you unique, and you are definitely super cute. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Jasmine! I enjoyed reading your blog– it was very interesting, as I’ve never heard of FOP before. I am so AmaZed at how you just jump to the challenge & do as much as you can! I hope you keep on making CraZy plans, and are able to follow through with many of them! I have sent a heartfelt Prayer to the Lord above, to give you Peace & the strength you need in your life. Connie~
I just read your story and wanted to take a moment to tell you what an inspirational and brave person you are. I am always impressed by the ability to stare down a challenge. You refuse to be held in place and my respect for you and your strength knows no bounds. Your challenge is rare and unique, and particularly cruel. And every picture I see of you, you’re wearing a smile.
Not only is your story beautiful, so are you!
Keep fighting. Keep smiling.
What an amazing woman. You are both beautiful and courageous for opening up and allowing us the opportunity to get to know you through your blogs.
You are a beautiful woman and very courageous.
Jasmin, You are beautiful and cute! Sharing yourself with the world the way you do shows your truest inner confidence and self-love! God bless you for the love you radiate to others in your most thoughtful words and glorious smile! I love you dearly!
Jasmine – well said – you are a beautiful young woman whose spirit shines out through your eyes and smile. Your willingness to share your perspectives and insights is awesome!
Jasmine – There’s no question about it, you are simply, cute. Your soul is aglow with love and passion for life.