Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
When the left and the right sound the same -
I am autistic, with multiple disabilities. I'm trans/non-binary, and I am exhausted. I'm on the front lines of this fight, not because I enlisted, but because my communities were the invasion point.
All day I defend against attacks, left flank, right flank and center. I, and my community, defend not only our flanks, but yours.
The most damaging barrage both to the cause and to morale are those that come from behind-friendly fire. Most people are aware of the vitriol and hate that comes against the Trans community, even from the supposed left. But few are even aware of the unending onslaught of ableist attacks that- while aimed at the enemy- strike us in the disabled community with equal force.
Many argue against the wild medical claims. They use the same harmful rhetoric though to describe us. They infantalize us, paint our lives as tragedies and burdens. I'm not always the most gentle with our allies.
I sometimes return friendly fire because it becomes hard to distinguish even in designated safe zones, who is really an ally and who is an unwitting conspirator.
While some of you have just joined this fight, remember those of us who have been in it for years, decades, and lifetimes. Do not be surprised when we fire back in self-defense. We can only identify you as an ally if you cease fire, unlearn your ableism and offer aid instead.
When the left and the right sound the same -
I am autistic, with multiple disabilities. I'm trans/non-binary, and I am exhausted. I'm on the front lines of this fight, not because I enlisted, but because my communities were the invasion point.
All day I defend against attacks, left flank, right flank and center. I, and my community, defend not only our flanks, but yours.
The most damaging barrage both to the cause and to morale are those that come from behind-friendly fire. Most people are aware of the vitriol and hate that comes against the Trans community, even from the supposed left. But few are even aware of the unending onslaught of ableist attacks that- while aimed at the enemy- strike us in the disabled community with equal force.
Many argue against the wild medical claims. They use the same harmful rhetoric though to describe us. They infantalize us, paint our lives as tragedies and burdens. I'm not always the most gentle with our allies.
I sometimes return friendly fire because it becomes hard to distinguish even in designated safe zones, who is really an ally and who is an unwitting conspirator.
While some of you have just joined this fight, remember those of us who have been in it for years, decades, and lifetimes. Do not be surprised when we fire back in self-defense. We can only identify you as an ally if you cease fire, unlearn your ableism and offer aid instead.
