Introducing our second last storyteller, @temporalexistence 🌻

In their debut video, Shams speaks to the intersections of disability and neurodivergence with queer and enby belonging among racialized communities within so-called Canada.

"I realized I probably had ADHD about two years before I was actually able to get into an assessment", Shams shares. "It was around $1,800, so there's no way I could have afforded it if it wasn't partially covered by my union, which is so messed up. The process at every point was very non-ADHD friendly. You had to fill out so many forms; you had to arrange so many appointments, and keep track of so many things. It felt like they were rooting for you too fail - and this is with me having all the privilege to be able to access it in the first place".

Shams (they/them) is an artist, academic, writer, and part time nanny. Shams enjoys self-reflection, growth, and open communication. They are passionate about creating a neurodiverse inclusive learning environment and world. They believe that wearing masks, socially distancing, and getting vaccinated are necessary social and civic responsibilities.

Interested in becoming a storyteller? Email our curator at [email protected] for more info!

In radical love,
Jade (Curator)

#disabilityjustice #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #neurodiverse #adhd #adhdadult #adhdawareness #digitalstorytelling #storytelling #disabilityrights #qtbipoc #bipoc #theythem #queer #lgbtq #autism #healthcareisahumanright #canadianhealthcare #mentalhealth #majordepressivedisorder #socialanxiety #muslimqueer #genderqueer #neurodiversityacceptance #socialjustice #intersectionality #sexualeducation #sexed

[Video still, green grass with distant building in background, center image of Shams, a Brown person with short-medium curly hair, a sunflower shirt and a stunning yellow Jean jacket. Shams is smiling and looking down].

Accessibility note: for videos with closed captions, please watch the Instagram video at: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfJfF7xg... with the “captions” option on.