Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong

Author and Activist, Lauren Melissa, shares a powerful story of resilience and creativity. Diagnosed with autism in her twenties, Lauren Melissa turned the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity, hand-writing a novel that was later accepted by Bold Strokes Books. 

Based in New York City, she passionately advocates for the representation of queer, BIPOC, and disabled individuals in fiction, bringing to life diverse, multiracial, neurodivergent, and queer characters. Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength found at the intersections of identity and creativity.

Timestamps

08:27 Getting Into Writing
16:03 Having Relatable Characters in Fiction
21:16 Portraying Neurodiversity in Fiction 
25:09 Getting Published As An Independent Publisher
33:34 Advocacy on Autism, Race, and Queerness
44:12 Social Expectations, Codependence, and Autistic Identity


Connect with Lauren Melissa Ellzey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmellzey 
Website: https://laurenmelissaellzey.com/ 


What is Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong?

Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong is a podcast for the disability community by the disability community, hosted by two disabled women. But if you’re not disabled, listen in to learn about real issues, celebrations, and conversations disabled people are having in their communities. Powered by Easterseals.