Advocating for Social Justice: Existing in a Society That is Not Made For You

A blue banner with justice scales at the center of the image. Above the banner says “Advocating for Social Justice.” At the bottom of the banner says “Existing in a Society That is Not Made For You.”

I work on increasing awareness on accessibility and disability issues.

As a deaf and disabled person.

Who also needs accessibility and faces barriers in the exact work that I do.

I know, it makes sense and it doesn’t make sense at the same time.

That is the dilemma of advocating for social justice issues (since many social issues interconnect) while also experiencing the same issues. On the one hand, the drive for change is strong. On the other hand, it is not accessible to me all the time, taking more energy out of me than someone who does not experience the barriers or stigma. 

Recipe for burnout, I know. I reach a point where I have to set boundaries with myself as I like to convince myself otherwise. 

But, I love what I do and while the slow change is not ideal, seeing the inspiration, courage, and passion in others is certainly a motivating experience. There are still issues though when advocating for change in social justice issues. There are spaces that are not easy to enter due to my accessibility needs. I either got to do all the problem-solving to potentially contribute or just get locked out altogether. If I get in and my expertise is needed in terms of lived experience, there is this weird pressure to talk about your experience in hope for change. Sometimes, those experiences are not something you want to bring up and relive, even if it can provide an understanding of the barriers and challenges that do exist in society that people take for granted. And I know I am not alone in this experience, so it is important to provide the reminder that your wellbeing is important.

Here is why,

It is not really a choice when your body needs rest or to decompress from the advocacy work. Either you choose the time or it chooses for you. The time it chooses for you is likely the most inconvenient time. So, choose the least inconvenient time when possible.

There are ways to advocate and provide the space for understanding without having to tell your story to be heard (it is not easy I am aware). Your story may be impactful but it impacts you more than anyone else as you lived it. Ask the questions to allow reflection, provide the scenario for people to feel it, it does not have to be your personal story if you do not want to. 

Advocating can be something you choose to pursue in ways that fit your needs. We always see the most ideal advocate and activist based on the media we consume and they are out there. But the majority of us just wanted to contribute where we can while also still meeting our needs. Doing something small does not mean you are not making an impact. 

So advocating for social justice issues has its challenges, especially if you also live with the issues that you are trying to change. Just remind yourself that you cannot be the best advocate for others if you are not meeting your needs.

Amanda