I aspire to inspire
I'm Kiera, I'm 36 years old, and I was born with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. When I was younger, I never really felt out of place or that I didn't fit in with the "normal" kids. I've always been the type to say to myself that I can do anything and I can do it 10 times better. I've always pushed myself to go the extra mile because I knew I had to work harder than most kids my age. I'm able to walk with crutches for short distances but spend most of my time using a wheelchair. When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) which is an autoimmune illness. Most of my adolescent and young adult life was spent in and out of the hospital. I was able to go to college and receive my associates in teaching. I've always wanted to work with kids, especially kids that have special needs. I currently work as a counselor and tutor at an after school program.
The queer community
As a disabled queer woman of color, I'm very involved in the LGBTQ+ community and the POC community. I'm an activist and attend many events that related to including people with disabilities in those communities
Dancing with a Disability
I've always loved to dance. when I was younger, I used to choreograph dances and teach them to my friends who were disabled. We would perform for our school talent shows. I have a youtube channel with a few of my choreographed dances on it. When I was 21 (the legal age you can drink and get into a club in the United States), I wanted to go out, have fun and dance, and I just wanted to hang out with my friends. I didn't care if people stared at me, I didn't care if they were upset because they had to make space for my wheelchair. I just wanted to live a normal life.
Marriage, Family & Finding Normalcy
Eventually, I want to find a partner to settle down with, get married and have a family. I've dated, but dating is hard nowadays. When you add on that you have a disability to your dating profile, that makes it even harder. If they can look past it and see me as a person than great, if not they weren't worth my time or energy. In the meantime, I will continue to live my best life.
