These kinds of posts are very thought after, as in I think a lot before I start writing, sometimes even overthink since I’m talking about someone’s life and experience, and I hope I do right. When I came across this article, I wasn’t thinking of adding my life to theirs, but I realised I had things to say on the topic. Having a disability puts me in one minority, and being queer in another one, which together creates a smaller minority, but this doesn’t make it any less valid
Finn Schulz starts his story on the day he was born, talking about the shock his family had when you came to the world “ I surprised everyone by being the whitest, blondest baby in the hospital. I have a rare genetic condition called Oculocutaneous Albinism type 2. Both of my parents carried the recessive gene, resulting in me being the first, and only, person in my family with Albinism.” My birth wasn’t less stressful, born at 26 weeks, but unlike most people with Cerebral Palsy, mine didn’t happen during pregnancy or a birth, but a few days late, when the incubator malfunctioned and even though my mum alerted, no one acted in time. He also explains what albinism is, so I will link the article at the end.
With the stage in his life came education, and he talks about how even with accommodations, the system isn’t made for people with disabilities to learn. What upsets me is knowing that people across the globe had to endure the same pain to secure the right to learn. Finn goes on to explain that, without access to transportation accommodations due to his disability, he talks about how the lack of access didn’t help his mental health, since in middle school, he was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
From reading the date on the article, I just calculated that we started testosterone a few months apart, and luckily, unlike myself, his journey for that sounds smoother. He graduated and went to Columbia College Chicago to study photography. Here’s a quote about how he views photography: “I use photography to see the world. The photos I capture help me see details in the world around me that I’ve never gotten a chance to see with the naked eye”.
This is such a thoughtful and compassionate piece of writing. I admire the care with which you approach another person’s story, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with reflecting on lived experiences that are not entirely your own while also recognizing where your own journey intersects with theirs. Your honesty about overthinking speaks not of uncertainty, but of respect.
Thank you
“the system isn’t made for people with disabilities to learn.” So true! I’ve struggled with that all my life. Great post and reflective.
Thanks