I was discouraged to apply for university while at high school, and that had nothing to do with my grades. It was assumed that I would not manage physically, and universities would not accommodate me. I had to take a stand against my teachers, principal, and guidance counsellor because I refused to take 'no' as an answer.
University offered other challenges. I was discouraged to do anything beyond academics. However, my electric wheelchair freed me and allowed me to be me. I felt the need to be involved within the community both on campus and off campus and this was the start of my activism.
While previously I struggled making close friends, but my activism introduced me to friends that became family, and where I eventually found a deep bond.
Marriage was never a priority for me while growing up, so finding a friend in a husband was a gift. It felt nice to have the choice of marriage, to be accepted in a family, and be seen for who I was as a whole.
However, despite all my work, I was not welcomed by everyone. While hard at first, it convinced me that activism was going to be a huge part of my life, and shaped what I wanted to be. This is when I started writing for media outlets, including The Huffington Post.
Today, I am writing a book and intend to spread the message of equality throughout Hong Kong. While some people might not be comfortable with us being out there, this should not be the reason to hide ourselves. All of us have the right to education, work, marriage, and following our dreams. We all have a place in society and no one can take that away from us.
Comments