Katie

andrea gibson

death is sad

first person

Andrea Gibson’s Work Lives in the Realities of Chronic Pain

There’s a long and powerful queer lineage of artists whose bodies were politicized, pathologized, and misunderstood and who still chose to create from that place.

Katie —

Jul 21, 2025

climate change

disability

politics + activism

Disability Justice Needs To Be a Part of Climate Justice

Disabled people are not dying in disasters due to personal negligence or an unwillingness to leave — they are dying because emergency systems are not built with them in mind.

Katie —

Feb 26, 2025

health

Getting BRCA Test Results Wasn’t What I Expected

I hope the lesson from this journey is to advocate for yourself to access the testing, results, treatments, therapy, and providers that you need and deserve.

Katie —

Jul 29, 2024

What to Expect When

health

What to Expect While Awaiting the Results of a Life Changing Test

As I await the verdict of eighty-eight potential cancer-causing genes, I am buoyed by the legacy of LGBTQ+ people who came before and who helped bring empathy, and less stigmatization,…

Katie —

May 3, 2024

disability

community

15 Tips for Creating Accessible Gatherings and Anti-Ableist Spaces

I want to live in a world where disabled people get to feel seen, validated, and valued as a whole person at all sorts of events. That will not happen…

Katie —

Mar 25, 2024

What to Expect When

health

What to Expect When You Feel a Lump

If I was going to consider the possibility of having cancer then I wanted to be sure all treatment options were on the table without anyone else’s view of what…

Katie —

Mar 15, 2024

What to Expect When

health

What to Expect When You’re Expecting a BRCA Test

My only reference for genetic cancer testing was when Angelina Jolie was highly criticized publicly for the decision to do a double mastectomy to protect herself from her own genetic…

Katie —

Feb 1, 2024

13 Days of A+

af+ personal essay

af+

Not Grateful Enough

“Thank you for pushing me down a ramp so quickly that I slammed into a wall.”

Katie —

Dec 15, 2023

disability

queer fashion

19 Disabled LGBT Fashion Icons Defying Stereotypes

This collection of style icons isn’t just about showcasing people with disabilities; it’s about challenging preconceived notions. It’s about celebrating those who blend their queer and disabled identities with unapologetic…

Katie —

Nov 26, 2023

#affiliatemarketing

af+ personal essay

af+

The Price of Perfectionism: Chronic Illness, Unemployment, and Starting Over

“I could start a Youtube channel or a blog about disability rights and monetize it. FUCK. I don’t know how to turn it off.”

Katie —

Nov 8, 2023

mental health

first person

Sad in a Prettier Place

A big reason for my move was the fact that I’m immune compromised. Instagram’s creepy algorithm delivered me an image, “moving won’t solve your problems, you’ll just be sad in…

Katie —

Jul 19, 2023

disability

thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, I’m Moving to Warmer Weather in an Attempt To Survive

As I write this, nearly 70,000 new cases were reported yesterday, and hospitalizations are increasing. Health officials have started to warn of a coming surge in the winter, just as…

Katie —

Nov 21, 2022