Talking microaggressions with Jon Faine on ABC Radio
Today I did an interview with Jon Faine and Sally Warharft on ABC Melbourne. The purpose of the conversation was to demystify microaggressions that I (and other disabled people) face regularly.
I think the interview demonstrates the microaggressions I face regularly. Sally invited me on the show after seeing me speak at the Wheeler Centre last month, and told me she is mystified and disappointed by aspects of today’s conversation.
I am… still processing.
I feel I did a good job, even when Jon Faine suggested my face would be good at Halloween (I have written about that issue here), even when he asked me whether I can have sex, even with him justifying unwanted prayers, and even with his reducing of me to a medical condition.
I work (unpaid) with ABC Radio regularly. I love it and am so grateful – and hope for more opportunities. I was genuinely nervous about the interview this morning, mostly about the power imbalance when discussing the subject matter. Today was really hard, and I expected to be treated better. I felt supported by Sally and I know she didn’t want to speak over me. (And a big shoutout to listener Jenny who talked about her discomfort on air.)
Here is a Twitter thread summary and commentary by Jess Walton that acts in lieu of a transcript.
Here are some blog posts I’ve written on microaggressions:
What if I asked you whether you can have sex?
My face scared my cleaner away
Girl looks at me and won’t sit near me
Update: Jon Faine has made an apology on his radio show on Thursday 29 June, for which I’m appreciative of. I welcome further discussion with him. The apology is here.
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