6 Disability Influencers You Need to Follow Right Now
@JillianMercado, @annieelainey, @crutches_and_spice
July is Disability Pride Month.
While the celebration of Disability Pride Month is looking a little different this year because of social distancing mandates, people across the world are finding alternative ways to come together to honor disability culture. But with 61 million Americans living with a disability every single day, this joyous time shouldn't conclude at the end of July.
To help bring awareness to both the month-long celebration and disability overall, we're highlighting six disability influencers and activists you should follow on the 'gram. Because if there's one way to show your support to this community, it's by listening to their stories and supporting their commitment to end the stigma of disability.
Lauren "Lolo" Spencer
When it comes to paving a new path for oneself, Spencer is a prime example of how to do just that. The actress has been nominated by the Film Independent Awards for her role in Give Me Liberty, and she's also an influencer, activist, model, and public speaker. But if those titles are not enough of a reason to follow Spencer on Instagram, check out her new IG TV show The New Narrative, where she discusses disability life and culture with others in the community.
Annie Segarra
Segarra (aka @annieelainey) is an ambulatory wheelchair user known for her YouTube channel, where she discusses topics such as body image, chronic illness, disability, mental health, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her Instagram is filled with stylish Disney-bound outfits and heartfelt captions about life with a disability.
Ruby Allegra
Allegra is an artist who has arthrogryposis ( multiple joint contractures). On their personal Instagram, you'll find them posting beautiful makeup looks, having transparent conversations about their disability, and sharing mental health tips.
Imani Barbarin
Barbarin is a writer with cerebral palsy. On her Instagram, she discusses the importance of using the word disability, shares politics that focus on the disabled community, and features badass fashion outfits.
Jillian Mercado
You might be familiar with this Dominican-American model and actress from her work on Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q, but you might also know her as the founder of the digital community Black Disabled Creatives. On her Instagram, she posts about making the entertainment industry more inclusive, challenging beauty narratives, and living life as a disabled model.
Marimar Quiroa
If you're looking for gorgeous everyday beauty looks, then look no further than Quiroa's Instagram account. This Latina beauty YouTube Vlogger, who has cystic hygroma, posts about the latest makeup trends. She also makes sure every YouTube video is accessible by using sign language and subtitles.
