hospitalglam:The label #HospitalGlam is a dark wink at the way poses of illness are often used to
hospitalglam: The label #HospitalGlam is a dark wink at the way poses of illness are often used to sell us health, beauty and fashion in the media. We are often taxed for the efficacy of these efforts during our appointments. Representing myself as a disabled person, using the same conventions placed in a clinical environment, and labeling it #HospitalGlam is, in part, an effort to examine the bias that makes it harder to access care. The same bias restricts access to many services necessary for living a simple life. As I’ve said before: In part, disability shame comes from pervasive cultural ableism, part of which is the sexism many women experience while seeking care. It’s reinforced by unattainable, artificially constructed images of beauty and health in media. Beauty is inherently a part of any discussion of the perceptions created by beauty, and influences how we perceive illness. This is not the only way to approach #HospitalGlam. Disability and chronic illness erode both the body and psyche, to devastating effect. Deciding, amidst all that, to look at + like yourself anyway is a battle hard won. Recognizing your physical and emotional needs, controlling parts of how you look when you can’t control much else, photographing yourself, and seeking support are all part of that. Do what you need to do to access the care you need. Self care is VITAL, and our community reinforces that for me every day. I feel lucky to be part of this thriving force. -- source link