Dee Marie's Journey Through Disability, Art, and Advocacy

For Dee Marie, this past year marked a profound shift in how they show up in the world. Through unlearning the need to make others comfortable, embracing their identity as a disabled creative, and witnessing the impact of patient advocacy firsthand, Dee Marie found new clarity in their voice and purpose. Their journey is one of visibility, resilience, and collective strength.

Continue reading to learn more about Dee Marie’s story, in their own words.

Letting Go of Masking and Fear of Assumptions

I realized this year that my fear of non-disabled people making assumptions about my health was holding me back. Now I don’t mask how sick I am to make other people comfortable.

Coming to this realization wasn’t easy. Masking had become a habit, something I did automatically to protect myself from judgment. Letting go of it has meant giving myself permission to exist as I am, even when that makes others uncomfortable.

Building Visibility Through Local Art Markets

I started selling at local art markets and that really showed me that my local disabled community was underrepresented on the world of our local markets.

Being in these spaces made the lack of representation impossible to ignore. It pushed me to think about how often disabled creatives are left out of conversations about art and culture. Showing up with my work became a way to claim space, not just for myself, but for others who deserve to be seen too.

Advocacy That Created Change in Healthcare Spaces

This year, my mom joined a patient advocacy group at my hospital to push the importance of using preferred pronouns and chosen names for patients. Our hospital actually listened to her and made the changes she advocated for.

Watching this happen changed how I think about advocacy. It reminded me that speaking up can lead to real, tangible change, even within systems that feel slow or resistant. Seeing the hospital listen reinforced how powerful patient voices can be.

Moving Forward as a Disabled Creative and Activist

I want to keep forward with my momentum as a local creative in the new year. I am determined to put myself and my art out there and I refuse to not be seen and heard. I know that my art and activism can change the world for the better and next year I am going to keep putting in the work to do just that.

Moving forward means choosing courage again and again. It means trusting that my work matters, even when visibility feels vulnerable. I’m committed to continuing this momentum and honoring the role my art and activism play in creating change.

A Message of Perseverance for the Disabled Community

I want the disabled community to know that despite society’s efforts, we can and will persevere as long as we stick together. We’ve done it before. We’ll do it again.

This belief grounds me. Community has always been how we survive, resist, and build something better together. Remembering that gives me hope as I look ahead.

Follow Dee Marie on Instagram to learn more about their journey.