Nu Misra, a 24-year-old from Delhi, turned into an activist after they acquired a physical disability.
Now, they are simply trying to shatter the narrative built around disabled people — one of pity and praise.
Through their journey, Nu says they have realised how society has crafted insensitive stereotypes that revolve around disabled people and their sexuality.
They also note that growing up disabled is not the easiest thing, especially during the adolescent years.
“Disabled people are often taught that only a certain kind of ability is capable of being attractive, falling in love, getting married, or settling down.”
These harsh realities, cruel as they may be, changed Nu for the better.
Today, as they are more informed and thick-skinned, wary about the kind of criticism they let in, Nu shares a piece of advice.
“Don’t assume, and make room for your partner’s disability in the relationship.”
“There is a difference between dependence and agency. Help them only when they need it,” they add.
They also caution not to assume you are doing your disabled partner a favour by helping them.
In order to amplify their own voice and the voices of other disabled persons, Nu started a platform called Revival Disability India in 2020.
They envisioned this as a community where disabled people have a safe space to share and engage with others.
“I had to navigate the road to my identity all alone. I’ve never felt like I truly belonged to any of the educational institutions I went to,” they say.
And so, for everyone who feels different and lost, Revival Disability is a space where they are just allowed to be and exist, in whichever way they desire.
The team also focuses on regular mental health check-ins and sharing circles.