Le Gateau Chocolat

People HATE to see a unicorn.

The intersection of race and invisible disabilities IS REAL.

“Why are you in the medical/disability queue”
Presents disability pass
“Because I have a disability”
“Then you should wear it”
“Or you could just do your job and check my passport after I’ve demonstrated why I’m in this queue”
“Don’t give me attitude”
“Don’t waste my time. Let’s keep this moving”

Sabi, duty manager, comes over and successfully diffuses the situation.

“Can we talk calmly in the corner”
“Sure. This is a teachable moment”
“You see how I’m not raising my voice?”
“You see how he raised his?”
“Our staff are working under enormous pressure”
“It’s 655. Planes are allowed to land, at Heathrow from 6am. Some of us have been on a 24 hr flights”
For transparency and honesty, mine was 7 BUT 2 weeks ago, it was 36 from New Zealand
“I understand. It would just help our staff if you wore the lanyard”
“Sure. But as soon as he asked, I demonstrated my disability- why was there need for any comeback including him saying to you “he’s got an attitude.” - his language was not coded enough.”
“I understand.”
“What’s your name?”
“I’m the duty manager.”
“That’s clear. I’d like to say thank you.
“I’m sabi”
“I’m George. Thank you, Sabi”

I’m really not sorry that @heathrow_airport’s training’s failed in not expanding your perception or invited you to abandon stereotype because the facts are people with disabilities can also look like this AND your use of the adjective “attitude” is MUCH louder than you think. It’s screaming.

Thank you, Sabi. Have a word. Please.

Exhausting. Exhausted

The disability - ‘medical fatigue’, exhaustion, from heart disease, has entered the chat.

#disability #london #home #black #fashion