#beseen

you walk into rooms, shrinking yourself, as if your heartbeat, needs permission.

you were taught to say sorry, for taking up space, for laughing too loud, for wanting to stay.

but your softness is not a crime, your body, your past, your fears, are not warnings, they are evidence, that you kept living, when it would’ve been easier, to disappear.

- Martha Cooper, Going Postal - 2008 - first edition - 

Our team at Autism Actually wish our trans and gender diverse community members a very happy Trans Day of Visibility. We join in the celebration of trans pride, awareness, and achievements. We also recognise that many Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals in our community are trans and gender diverse, and this intersectionality comes with its own set of experiences and perspectives. 🦄🌈♾🧠🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

You can find out more about this event by visiting the TDOV website: https://tdov.org.au/

#AskingAutistics: For our trans and gender diverse community members, what is one thing you would like others to know about being autistic and queer?

[Text description: It is the most empowering feeling to be a proud autistic, queer person, and discover your authentic self. happy trans day of visibility. #beseen #TDOV Copyright Autism Actually, 2021.]

Hello! I am a legally blind author and I create stories for children with disabilities. Every character I create will be based off a real person that I worked closely with to ensure they can see what they never got to growing up. As a previous daycare teacher I couldn’t help but notice how little books there were for children with these special abilities, and they noticed as well. As my eyesight worsened I had to leave that job I loved so much, but I decided this is not where my journey will end when it comes to advocating for children. That is why I created Bunny Tales and Mermaid Scales. I have unreleased books and have been getting asked why I haven’t self published them. My reasoning is I will work hard towards working with an agent to ensure that these books can be available for everyone and in schools. As a legally blind women, I think it’s time for our community to be seen in the light with every other children's book. Let’s make waves! 

Hunter Blaise