Episode 16 of Real Talk with @butyoudontlooksickofficial and @tee_spoonieNeither myself or this week’s guest, Tee, saw what was headed our way in public advocacy. On the search for a community, Tee in one tweet started the creation of their own community. Now boasting over 18,000 followers, Tee has broadened and improved the people surrounding their platform. Tee and I relay our experiences that started simply expressing ourselves online, and in turn were able to create a space for people like us.However, as I know well through But You Don’t Look Sick, that is often no easy task. From ableism to “life coaches” and trolls, Tee and I have dealt with every sort of person online. While the impact our spaces provide for other chronically ill individuals is invaluable, we agree it doesn’t make handling the harshness of public advocacy any easier. We discuss how we balance our mental health and the platforms, and how seldomly a feed will reflect a person’s true situation.About the Guest:Teona Studemire is a queer multi-disabled content creator. They specialize in writing different topics surrounding disability, sex education, positivity, neurodivergency, mental health and their intersections with Blackness. They became disabled in 2017 upon the development of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis alongside their Autism and ADHD.In 2020, they found their voice and rekindled their love for writing and thus her website, TeeSpoonie was born. Through this website, Teona writes on various topics in the hopes of helping others find their voice, educating those on their misconceptions about disability, neurodivergence, etc. In their freetime, Teona streams video games on Twitch with the goal of creating a cozy and accessible space where everyone is safe to be themselves.You can find more information about Tee at https://teespoonie.com/ or on Instagram & Twitter @tee_spoonieAbout the host:Melody is a social media influencer and founder of the non-profit "But You Don't Look Sick."After battling a rare neurological disorder for 7 years, she decided to show the realities of what it's like to live with an invisible illness and advocate for the better treatment of patients. She has successfully created a program centered on assisting both those who are diagnosed and going through the diagnostic process.You can follow Melody on instagram @butyoudontlooksickofficial or visit our website at www.butudontlooksick.comEdited by: Kristen @birdbearhealthFinal Listen: Taylor @plottwistparentingPodcast Manager: Bella @itsbellawhitDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of "But You Don't Look Sick." the staff, or other contributors. The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. You should not rely on information on this website as a basis for making decisions. Consult with your doctor before making any changes to your current medical routine.