Melissa Blake, Journalist

“Here's something you should know about me: I'm proud to be disabled. By all accounts, I'm not supposed to be "proud" of my disability. Not according to society, at least. But then again, I've never given much thought to societal conventions” Disability advocate and journalist Melissa Blake was born on August 4. Melissa Blake said “it could have been so easy for me to kind of feel defeated and let my disability stop me but they [my parents] always said, “You can do it,” and “Keep going”. I think that really helped me get to where I am today... There was a big moment where I chose how I was going to view this difference in my life going forward. Am I going to use it as something that makes me different? And this difference doesn’t mean that I’m not capable. Or am I going to completely let it serve as an obstacle? And I am still like that. I still think yeah it makes me different but it doesn’t mean that different is bad... there are so many stereotypes and misconceptions about what it’s like to be disabled and live with a disability. I think having so many disabled people vocal, present and existing and refusing to be silent is really important.” She wrote “I’m getting so tired of people (read: men) thinking it’s OK to insult a woman’s appearance. Yes, my disability makes me look different. Trust me, I know that. I’ve known that my entire life.” But instead of letting the trolls win, she posted self affirming selfies that went viral.