Comments for GimpGirl Community

Comment on GimpGirl Turns 14 by Jennifer Cole

Jennifer Cole — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:48:49 +0000

I thought about a my favorite memory for a few days (14 years takes a long time to process!), but I keep coming back to all of the little things that happen in so many ways during GimpGirl events and in our forums. All those conversations that people have to fill in pieces of information they need in order to improve autonomy, self-advocacy, and life in general. All the connections people have made with others who “get” their experience. All the lessons and kickass successes we share. They all fill my memory of the last 14 years and I am so grateful to have been part of it.

Comment on GimpGirl Turns 14 by Liz

Liz — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:50:40 +0000

It’s hard to pick a favorite memory — but I think it’s got to be a party we had in Second Life. I had been feeling bitter and alienated, and one of y’all talked me through making a 2nd Life avatar for the first time so I could come to the party virtually embodied and chat and dance with folks. I remember flying around in the air in a steampunk wheelchair over the dancers at the GimpGirl disco party, blasting the music, feeling free and not alone anymore, and crying a little.

Comment on GimpGirl Turns 14 by Liz

Liz — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:47:55 +0000

Hooray! Happy birthday GimpGirl!

Comment on GimpGirl Turns 14 by Katherine Mancuso

Katherine Mancuso — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:55:39 +0000

I’ve been involved in the GimpGirl staff since 2008 and have the unique honor of having spoken all over the country and the internet bringing the voices of our wonderful women to a larger audience. My favorite story is about a girl who joined Second Life and found her way to us on her very first day. It turned out the girl was looking for help using Second Life with a stick in her mouth from the bed in her parents’ basement that she was confined to most of the time. Months later when we saw her again in group, she had gotten married in Second Life, had a virtual baby, had a virtual job, and was raising money for kids with cancer through Relay For Life. All of these things (relationships, dating, sex, babies, work, fundraising) would have been extremely difficult for her to negotiate if she had to get her parents’ assistance and aid, as parents often see even adults with disabilities as perpetual infants because they’re in need of more assistance than other adult children. I love telling this story because I like talking about the power of the Internet to liberate people and to give them a safe place to be themselves, and GimpGirl is that place.

Comment on GimpGirl Turns 14 by Kaitlin

Kaitlin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:38:42 +0000

I found GimpGirl in 2010, after being referred here by another web-based organization. At GimpGirl, I found the support and camaraderie I had been longing for as a young adult woman with disabilities. Shortly after joining, I realized how much the organization had already helped me and began volunteering my time. GimpGirl is amazing and I would encourage people to support it in whatever way they can!

Comment on Engaging with the Community by Marcy Ryan

Marcy Ryan — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:22:42 +0000

I love this site, I have found more information, and been able to share it with my peers then ever before. Its an important part of our community and being able to gather and disceminate information is so important. As well as support each other so that no one needs to feel that they are alone, we are there to support each other!!

Comment on Stop SOPA/PIPA by Magdalen Travers

Magdalen Travers — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:51:02 +0000

the PIPA act will almost certainly break down the internet which is the only truthful medium for free speech.

Comment on Stop SOPA/PIPA by fran odette

fran odette — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:34:04 +0000

The internet needs to be a space that people can access information and not censored. For many women with disabilities, access to information that is reliable and addresses a range of diverse issues can only be available on the internet. CripGirl is a wonderful and reliable resource on information pertaining to disability and gender. We need to be able to ensure it’s ability to sustain the good work it does and maintain its ability to reach women who may experience increased levels of marginalization and isolation because of inaccessibility of their communities and access to resources. This website is life-saving for many of us!!

Comment on The New Year by Addy

Addy — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 10:20:18 +0000

Smart thinknig – a clever way of looking at it.