Carly Findlay's Blog, page 13

Disability led + centred journals you should read!

It’s Disability Day! 

Here are four disability led/centred journals you should read (and submit to)! There is such talent among Disabled, Deaf, Chronically ill and Neurodivergent people.

Rally Magazine

Rally Magazine: co-founded by Baya Ou Xang and Ange Iaria, Rally is a “new multimedia magazine bridging the gap between storytelling and activism. [Their] goal is to connect empathic people with important stories and meaningful steps towards real action.” The first edition of Rally centres Disabled people. It features work by Renay Barker Mulholland (cover girl!), Lou Wall, Ash Apap, Kaitlyn Blythe, Alex Creece Sick Sad Girlz club and many more!

Rally is free to read online, and a print version is coming soon. 

Sunder

Sunder is created by Sarah Stivens, and supported by editors Andy Jackson, Madison Godfrey, Luke Patterson andAlex Creece , Sunder is an online poetry journal for Deaf, Disabled and Chronically ill writers including Beau Windon, Em Randell, Robin Eames, Fleur Beauport and more. Read Sunder online: 

Bramble

Co-founded by Scout Lee and Spencer Barbaris, Bramble is a literary and art journal for and by Disabled creatives.  The first issue is online in text/image and audio formats, and features writing and art by Mandy White, Anna Jacobson,  Heather Taylor-Johnson, Amelia Saward, Monika Dryburgh and more. 

Bramble also runs Disability Writes – fortnightly writing classes on Zoom.  Read Bramble online.

Ink & Inclusion

Ink & Inclusion is a publication featuring University of Queensland’s Disabled, Chronically ill and Neurodivergent writers and artists. It’s edited by Sian Chadfield – UQ Union’s Disability Officer, and I advised on and edited the project too. It goes to print very soon, and will be available for purchase in the new year.  Check out the Ink & Inclusion website for updates.

Image: a collage of four journal covers: Rally, Sunder, Bramble and Ink & Inclusion

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What it means when you say, “I don’t see you as disabled”

I wrote and filmed this for Disability Day 2023. Saying “I don’t see you as disabled, you’re just Carly to me” is not the compliment you think it is. I also meant to add, you don’t see my access needs.

I’m Carly Findlay and I’m a proud disabled woman.

I know you mean well.

But it is not a compliment to say “I don’t see you as disabled”, or “I don’t see your disability”.

What you’re really saying is you don’t see the ableism and discrimination I face on a daily basis.

You don’t see that there’s a diverse spectrum and experience of disability.

You don’t see the barriers you can assist in dismantling.

You don’t see one of the things that makes me uniquely me.

You don’t see that disability is a key part of my identity – I can’t leave it behind.

You don’t see that disability means community, culture, joy and pride among so many disabled people

And you think disability is a bad thing, a deficit, a tragedy, an insult…so how could I possibly be disabled?

I’m asking you to see me, see my disability. Its OK for you to see me as disabled. It’s part of me.

Video: Carly, a woman with a red face and short dark curly hair, standing in front of a bookshelf, talking to camera. She’s wearing a pastel pink, purple, green and orange rectangular print dress, and a brooch that’s a pale pink and gold glitter sunrise with a face on it. The video has captions. Transcript above. Image is a photo of Carly wearing the same thing, with “What it means when you say “I don’t see you as disabled” in purple text over white.

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Some thoughts ahead of Disability Day

I’m dreading Disability Day solely because I know allies won’t step up. All those organisations , media outlets and brands who celebrate pride and other diversity groups will remain silent on 3 December.

It is not enough for allies – especially organisations – to share a photo and a quote from a disabled person on Disability Day – without payment, without accessibility provisions, and without year round commitment to amplifying disabled voices and working with us. 

It’s also not enough to hold Disability Day events without disabled people in the room. Nothing about us without us. 

A building lit up to recognise Disability Day does not fix unemployment and under-employment and poverty faced by disabled people; it does not stop abuse and violence towards disabled people; and it does not improve accessibility. 

This year, I’m choosing to celebrate disabled people and the incredible work we are doing, rather than educating allies. 

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Peppermint Magazine feature – Disabled Icons

I’m so excited to show you the the latest issue of Peppermint Magazine – the sixtieth edition!

It’s a dream come to have a Disabled Icons feature in a fabulous magazine. At the star of the year I pitched this to Lauren, Peppermint’s editor, and we’ve been working on it for months. I profiled seven people who identify as disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent. James Hillier – known as Nordacious illustrated the icons. He did a brilliant job!

Featured are; Shelby Sherritt, Elizabeth Wright, Renay Barker Mulholland, Craig Shanahan, Chenai Mupotsa-Russell, Cooper Smith, and Nat’s What I Reckon.

I wanted to showcase diverse people with cool jobs, showing readers what’s possible. Visibility is possibility. I created what Little Carly wanted to see and what Little Carly needed.

Big thanks to my faves, Obus who supported this feature too. Buy Peppermint in newsagents and online. Thank you Peppermint, James, and all the icons featured. This is amazing!

Check out peppermintmag.com

Video: stills of Carly holding the magazine in the newsagent are at the start and end of the video. In the middle is the camera panning across a magazine, which features an illustration and photos of, and writing about seven people. The video has captions on it. Transcript is above. Photos are: Luke John Matthew Arnold’s cover of affirmations – white words on a black background; Carly holding Peppermint in the newsagent, and Nordacious’ colourful illustration of seven happy, creative people.
(Not sponsored but I was paid for the article – I will be when I do my invoice!. I bought this mag myself.)

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A note on jealousy

I wrote this in 2018. Still stands. (Pic was taken then too.)

I’ve received enormous support for Say Hello – thank you! It’s been really lovely.
But I want to talk jealousy. Someone’s reaction to my announcement that my book has gone to print was “so jealous!” It’s not the first time I have encountered it, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Please don’t be jealous.

Say Hello took almost two years of writing – I started it in December 2016. Two years of really hard work. Two years of self doubt and performance anxiety. Two years of working long hours to supplement the money I got to write it. Two years of putting other things on hold – like other writing jobs and social events – because I had to write my book. Two years of thinking back to difficult times and putting them on the page. Two years of multiple edits. Two years of jealousy and tall poppy syndrome by now ex friends. Two years of a messy house. Two years of me sometimes putting my book before my relationship.

Before (and during) that time of writing Say Hello, I wrote for years. I showed up on my blog most days. I endured trolls. I pitched to the media – receiving more rejections than publications. But each time I was published in the media, it felt like my birthday. I said yes a lot. I said no sometimes. I studied and drank up information about writing and publishing – podcasts, blog posts, media articles, other peoples advice. I did a lot of speeches. I networked, and put myself out there. I was happy for other people’s success, and shared their work – a lot. And I provided advice to others.

I worked really hard. And so can you.

It can be hard to see others achieving their dreams if their dreams are your dreams too. Especially if you’ve been trying for a long time and especially if they’re people in your community. But jealousy is a horrible trait to be on the receiving end of.

So don’t be jealous. Use that energy to be really productive. Go write that book you’ve been wanting to write, and pitch it to a publisher. Self publish if you have to. There’s enough room for all of us.

Image: woman with red face and short dark curly hair, slightly smiling. She’s wearing a pale green cardigan over an Australiana print top, and rose gold sunglasses.

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I’m a finalist in the National Awards for Disability Leadership!

On Monday morning I was happily surprised to get an email telling me that I am a finalist in the National Awards for Disability Leadership, in the social impact category. These awards are run by the Disability Leadership Institute.

I work with so many incredible disabled people, organisations and allies, and I have the best family and friends – I couldn’t do what I do alone. I appreciate you.

My aim in everything I do is to amplify disabled people’s voices, ensure we all get paid fairly, and show that disability not a bad thing – it’s community, culture and identity. I also advocate for face equality, and for accessible contents and events.

A huge thanks to the person who nominated me, and to everyone who has supported my work.

Congratulations to all of the brilliant finalists:

Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement

Ben ClareMargherita CoppolinoKarleen Plunkett

Rights Activism

Marlene KhouzamHeidi La Paglia Reid

Inclusion

Akii NgoDr Lucy Mercer-MapstoneTogether: Access and Inclusion Training

Innovation

WaterAbleDown Syndrome Australia – Inclusive Communication ProjectRobert King

Social Impact

James ParrCarly Findlay OAMShane HryhorecJessica HornerLisa Cox

Change Making

Jenny SmithJessi HooperMegan Spindler SmithSarah Joyce

Arts

Natalia StawyskyjAndy JacksonMichelle Taylor-Holmes

You can read more info about the finalists on the Disability Leadership Institute’s website.

Winners are announced on the Disability Leadership Institute’s website on 3 December.

Image: a text based graphic – white background with green, coral and purple text, and circles in the same colours on the right hand side and bottom right. Text reads: “National Awards for Disability Leadership 2023
Finalist
Presented to
Carly Findlay OAM
‘Social Impact’ DisabilityAwards2023.

Presented by: DLI Sponsored by: DSC” The DLI and DSC logos are in the bottom left.

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I’ve been nominated in the Marie Claire Women of the Year Awards!

This is an absolute pinch me moment. I’m a nominee in the Marie Claire Women of the Year awards. The category is changemakers. What an honour. 

To be recognised by such a notable media outlet is a huge privilege, one I don’t take lightly. To have my testimony at the Disability Royal Commission noted by Marie Claire means so much – I gave evidence to help stop disabled people being abused in public places. I called on the police, esafety commissioner and social media platforms to keep us safer. I hope to see change. 

The work I do – like calling for accessibility and better media representation of disabled people – doesn’t always make me popular, even among my peers. But I persevere, because I want to make the world more accessible and ensure that ichthyosis, facial difference and disability is better represented and more respected in every aspect of society. I don’t always get it right, but I always strive to listen, learn and be better.

To the other nominees – you are incredible and it’s amazing to be named alongside you. The work you do matters so much. Many of you I look to as a fan – Margot Robbie, Marcia Hines, Kylie Minogue, Cate Blanchett – wow! Others I look to as role models – Megan Davis, Narelda Jacobs, Hannah Diviney – you’re always showing up and showing us how we can be allies. And some of you I am lucky to call friends. Check out all the nominees on the Marie Claire website and their Instagram.

And thank you to the incredible disabled people who are doing great work to improve disability access, inclusion, representation and rights. I am proud to work alongside you. 

When I got the email from Marie Claire about a month ago, I squealed. It was a total surprise, just like yesterday’s news of being a finalist in the National Disability Awards. And it was enormous recognition. 

I’m exhausted right now. My body and mind are moving slowly to the finish line. It’s been a great year, and it’s been a hard one. Even tonight, I haven’t had a chance to properly reflect, because I had to rush to the chemist (in my Oodie) to get my pain meds before packing to fly interstate tomorrow. I’ll celebrate and reflect next week, in a very voluminous dress. 

Thank you so much, everyone – especially  to Adam, my parents, my friends and colleagues 

PS: I said this on Marie Claire’s Instagram post tonight – because now is the time. “PS: I’ve said this on my own post – my work doesn’t make me popular, but I persist in asking for accessibility unapologetically. @marieclaireau please can you do image descriptions on your posts to make them accessible for disabled audiences. There’s some links on how to do this in my profile, or you can see how I’ve done them on my posts. I’m also happy to consult. Access is a human right. Thank you. ”

Images: 1. the Marie Claire Women of the Year Changemaker nominees – Carly Findlay, Jess Hill, Grace Forrest and Lucy Small – their photos are above their names. 2. A screen shot from the Marie Claire website which details my achievements. Text reads: CARLY FINDLAY

Writer and speaker Carly Findlay has advocated for representation of disabled people across all walks of life, and has been instrumental in the recent Disability Royal Commission findings.3. a banner featuring white squares with photos of the nominees on gold backgrounds interspersed.

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I’m featured in the Not Here To Make You Comfortable book!

I’m excited to be featured in Penguin’s Not Here to Make You Comfortable – 50 women who stand up, speak out, inspire change.

 

I’m featured alongside superstars Michelle Obama; Taylor Swift; Greta Thunberg; Ash Barrty, Hannah Gadsby and Malala (and more); and also among powerhouse friends and colleagues – Turia Pitt, Grace Tame, Clementine Ford, Chanel Miller; Nas Campanella; Chloe Hayden, Khadija Gbla, Maria Thatill, Antoinette Latouff and AJ Clementine. I love that there are so many women of colour and disabled women included. 

It took me a while to stop being a people pleaser, to be ok with  being  assertive and calling ableism and discrimination out. Now I know it’s part of my job to make people feel uncomfortable – always with kindness. 

In the spirit of uncomfortableness – the profile of me says I suffer from ichthyosis. I have been very public in saying I don’t suffer from Ichthyosis – I have Ichthyosis, live with it, I thrive with it. Many disabled people also think this way (and some would say they suffer from their disability – and that’s ok, too). I don’t want to be pitied or have false assumptions made of me. I do suffer from people’s ableism, though. I fed this back to Penguin, asking for an edit if the book goes to reprint or becomes an ebook. They were receptive.

Thank you Penguin – especially the writers and illustrators who captured us so wondrously.

 

This book would make a great gift for a young person in your life, or to go in your office or school library. 

Not Here to Make You Comfortable is available in Australian bookstores and libraries now.  

Penguin sent me this book, but I’ll be buying some, too! 

Images: 1. A collage of two photos, side by side. On the left is a book called Not Here to Make You Comfortable – it’s got a red cover with yellow text, and features black and white illustrations of prominent women. On the right is a black and white illustration of me, smiling, wearing a flower in my hair and a floral dress. 2. A close up of the profile and illustration of me in the book. Text reads: “There was that time

CARLY FINDLAY

challenged people to be more inclusive.

And she placed herself visibly in the media to challenge hamb and ignorant reporting of people with facial difference and other

disabilities.

And challenging public perceptions made her a target for online vitriol and abuse.

And given that she suffers from the rare skin condition ichthyos she knows just how much representation matters. She shares her own lived experiences, and through her work in the field of disability she has made the society we live in a better, kinder and more inclusive place.

Carly Findlay received a medal of the Order of Australia for her advocacy work for people with disabilities. Her memoir, Say Hello, was published in 2019 and she works as a writer, speaker and appearance advocate.

She won’t be defined by other people.

She will advocate for those who need a voice.

Carly Findlay is proud of her identity and helps others to feel the same way about themselves.”. 3. The book, on some bright blue fabric with a cake print. 4. A video of me flicking through the book – showing some of the women featured.  

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Sarah Firth’s book launch – Everything Eventually Connects

I attended Sarah Firth‘s book launch last month. Sarah is a Neurodivergent writer and graphic recorder, based in Naarm/Melbourne. 

Her book, Everything Eventually Connects, is a graphic novel. From the Allen and Unwin website: “A delicious mix of daily life, science, philosophy, pop culture, daydreams and irreverent humour, Eventually Everything Connects is a work of graphic non-fiction that is comforting, confronting and mind-expanding in equal measure.”

It was one of the best book launches I’ve ever been to – there were cheese platters and drinks, a performance, a discussion about the book, a book signing and a cake! It started with Sarah and two other people dressed  moths, dancing around a fire sculpture and a giant mobile phone sculpture. Fun and creative! 

Then Sarah did a reading and visual projection of one of the chapters of the book – it was about screen time. The launch had several access provisions  – held at the Science Gallery, Auslan was offered, and Sarah narrated the chapter of the graphic novel as it was projected on screen – the text acting as captions. 

Sarah did the whole launch dressed as a Bogong moth! 

Sarah’s book was eight years in the making – which began with a pitch to a graphic recorders’ event and enduring many rejections. She spoke to Vidya Rajan about the creative process of creating a graphic novel – it takes many, many hours of writing and drawing, and much reworking in the editing. Sarah also talked about the belief Nakkiah Lui has in her, signing her book to the Joan imprint at Allen and Unwin. She also talked about her dreams of creating a radio play from the book! 

Sarah’s work features in Growing Up Disabled in Australia too. I just love seeing what the GUDIA contributors do next.

I bought one book for me – Sarah signed it – and bought another to give to friends as a gift. 

Everything Eventually Connects is available in hardcover format in Australian bookstores and libraries now. It will be available in America in Spring 2024. 

The launch was such a reflection of Sarah’s talent and creative mind, and filled with her many supporters. 

I can’t wait to sit down with the book when I have some time. 

(I paid for Sarah’s books.)

Images: 1. Carly and Sarah, holding the book Everything Eventually Connects. Sarah is dressed as a moth – with wings and antennae. 2-3. Sarah and two other people dressed as moths on stage. 4. A video of Sarah and two people dressed as moths, dancing around a fire sculpture. There is music playing. 5. A projection of a drawing from the book – it’s about the relationships formed on social media. 6. Sarah and Vidya speaking on stage. 7. A cake that features the cover of the book – it’s got drawings of people and animals and objects – connected by lines. It’s blue. The rest of the cake is teal. 8. Carly and Monique – an illustrator friend. 9. Carly and Danielle. 10. A lot of Sarah’s books on the table.  

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When someone who loves you captures your beauty

Putting this on the blog – because I have a theory that people you love and who love you back capture the best of you in photos.

My friend Linda took this photo of me on Sunday night – and I think I look happy, relaxed and dare I say it, beautiful. (Cue sniggers and whispers – “she’s so full of herself!” )

Anyway, this was a moment where I felt and looked really great and I’m sharing it.

And I’m giving you permission to do the same – get someone you love to take pics of you – they’ll capture your beauty, I promise. And then post that photo where you felt and looked amazing.

Also, Linda admired my necklace and I said, “thanks, my four year old friend Aila made it for me”. My little friend is a great jewellery designer!

Image: Carly, a woman with a red face, short dark curly hair tied back, wearing a bird print dress under a floral jacket, and a colourful beaded necklace. She’s smiling, happy.

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