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Abhishek Singh awarded Man of the Match, Sai Akash bags Player of the Series < Back News, Disability Indian Deaf cricket team beats England in bilateral T20 series Abhishek Singh awarded Man of the Match, Sai Akash bags Player of the Series MMS Staff 3 Jul 2024 2-min read Only a couple of days ago did India win the international T20 World Cup. And the entire nation erupted in celebration. Streets were filled with cheers and celebration, and fireworks lit up the sky. And yet, when the Indian Deaf Cricket Team had achieved their historic victory just two days earlier, there was complete silence. On June 27, the Indian Deaf Cricket Team emerged victorious at the County Ground, Leicester in the bilateral series against England. They beat the English Men’s Deaf Cricket team by 5 - 2 in a 7-match series. The Indian team’s success is a moment of celebration for the entire nation, marking another milestone in the journey of Indian cricket. The men in blue continue to inspire, paving the way for future generations of D/ deaf cricketers. The Indian team dominated the series, defeating the hosts in the final match by six wickets. In the finals, India - electing to bowl - restricted England to 164 for 4 and then chased down the target with four balls to spare, riding on half-centuries by Abhishek (68) and Umar Ashraf (56). Despite not having the best of starts losing the first three wickets for only 46 runs, Abhishek and Ashraf’s 95-run partnership rebuilt the innings and took the side over the line. Abhishek Singh was awarded Man of the Match, while Sai Akash Man of the Series. Captain Virender Singh took the maximum wickets. Speaking on this achievement, Sumit Jain, President of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), said, “The victory in this bilateral series against England is not just a win on the field but a testament to the dedication and skill of our hearing-impaired players. It marks a significant milestone for deaf cricket in India, showcasing our capability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of the sport.” The series win underscores the growing talent and potential within the D/ deaf cricketing community. Roma Balwani, CEO of IDCA, said, “I am thrilled by India’s historic triumph against England in the bilateral series. This victory underscores our team’s commitment to excellence in cricket." The team’s achievements highlight the importance of inclusivity in sports and demonstrate that with the right opportunities and support, athletes can excel at the highest levels. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Hearing health: Tips, sign language benefits, and inclusive communication strategies < Back Disability, News, Health Playback singer Alka Yagnik diagnosed with rare sensory hearing loss Hearing health: Tips, sign language benefits, and inclusive communication strategies MMS Staff 19 Jun 2024 5-min read Renowned Bollywood playback singer Alka Yagnik recently revealed her diagnosis of a rare hearing disorder, raising awareness and cautioning her fans about the dangers of loud music. The singer shared the news on her Instagram account , talking about her sudden and alarming experience. Yagnik, known for singing numerous hit Bollywood songs, described the incident that led to her diagnosis. “A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt like I was not able to hear anything,” she said. The unsettling experience prompted her to seek medical attention, leading to the diagnosis of rare sensorineural nerve hearing loss (SNHL). “To all my fans, friends, followers, and well-wishers. A few weeks ago, as I walked out of a flight, I suddenly felt I was not able to hear anything. Having mustered some courage in the weeks following the episode, I want to break my silence now for all my friends and well-wishers who have been asking me why I’m missing in action. It has been diagnosed by my doctors as a rare sensory neural nerve hearing loss, due to a viral attack (sic),” she wrote on her socials. Yagnik's announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from her colleagues and fans. In her message, she expressed her shock and the difficulty of coming to terms with the diagnosis, also issuing a word of caution to her fans and younger colleagues in the music industry: “For my fans and young colleagues, I would add a word of caution regarding exposure to very loud music and headphones.” The singer emphasised the importance of taking care of one's hearing health, highlighting the risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud music. “One day, I wish to share the health perils of my professional life. With all your love and support, I am hoping to recalibrate my life and come back to you soon. Your support and understanding will mean the world to me in this critical hour,” she added. Alka Yagnik's candid revelation about her health serves as a reminder of the often overlooked health risks in the entertainment industry, particularly for musicians who are frequently exposed to high decibel sound levels. Tips for taking care of hearing health Avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds such as music concerts, heavy traffic, and noisy machinery. Use ear protection if you cannot avoid these environments. Invest in noise-cancelling headphones to reduce ambient noise, allowing you to listen to music or other audio at lower volumes. Follow the 60/60 rule. When using headphones, listen at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time. Give your ears rest by taking regular breaks from listening to music or other audio, especially through headphones. Keep the volume at a reasonable level when watching TV, listening to music, or using earbuds. If someone next to you can hear your music, it’s too loud. Wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments like concerts, construction sites, or while using power tools. Have your hearing tested regularly, especially if you are exposed to loud environments frequently or notice any changes in your hearing. Never use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other objects to clean your ears. This can cause damage to the ear canal and eardrum. Whenever possible, distance yourself from sources of loud noise. Moving away from the noise can significantly reduce its impact on your ears. Use ear drops or seek professional help to remove earwax buildup rather than trying to clean it yourself. After swimming or showering, dry your ears gently. Excess moisture can lead to ear infections, which can affect your hearing. Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can negatively affect your hearing health. Regular exercise improves blood flow to all parts of your body, including your ears, helping to maintain good hearing health. High stress and anxiety levels can contribute to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. Practice stress management techniques like meditation and deep breathing. Some medications can affect hearing. Always consult your doctor about the potential side effects of medications you are taking. Disability and hearing loss can happen to anyone at any time, even with the best care for one's health. This is why we need to be proactive in ensuring accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. By making our spaces and resources accessible to everyone, we create an inclusive environment that benefits all members of our community. Importance of teaching sign language Yagnik’s acquired hearing loss brings to light the importance of teaching sign language to everyone from a young age. Sign language is not only essential for communication with D/ deaf folx and people with hearing impairments, but it also provides a vital communication tool for anyone who may experience hearing loss or other disabilities later in life. Learning sign language fosters inclusivity and ensures that communication barriers can be overcome, making society more accessible and empathetic. Teaching sign language from a young age ensures that more people can communicate effectively with those who are D/ deaf or hard of hearing (HoH), promoting a more inclusive society. Additionally, it provides a critical skill that can be invaluable if one ever experiences hearing loss or other disabilities, ensuring that they can still communicate and engage with the world around them. Tips for including people experiencing hearing loss: Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Avoid shouting or exaggerating your mouth movements. Face the person when speaking to them, ensuring they can see your lips and facial expressions, which can aid in understanding. Reduce or eliminate background noise when having conversations to make it easier for the person with hearing loss to focus on the speaker. Utilise devices such as hearing aids to enhance sound quality for individuals with hearing loss. Offer written summaries or notes for meetings, presentations, and important conversations to ensure that the information is accessible. Familiarise yourself with basic sign language phrases to facilitate communication and demonstrate inclusivity. Incorporate visual aids like slides, charts, and videos with captions during presentations and meetings. Show patience and understanding if the person asks for repetition or clarification. Avoid showing frustration. Arrange seating in a circular or U-shaped pattern during meetings to ensure everyone can see each other and participate fully. Foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their communication preferences and needs. Use real-time captioning services for events, meetings, and webinars to make spoken content accessible to everyone. Complement your speech with appropriate gestures and body language to convey your message more effectively. Offer training sessions for employees and team members to raise awareness about hearing loss and teach effective communication strategies. Respect the individual’s privacy and confidentiality regarding their hearing loss and any assistive devices they use. Ensure social activities and gatherings are inclusive by choosing venues with good acoustics and considering the needs of individuals with hearing loss. Regularly ask individuals with hearing loss for feedback on how you can improve inclusivity and communication in your interactions and environments. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

This Pride month, our community reflects on embracing both neurodivergence and queerness < Back Community, Neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ The significance of Pride for neurodivergent LGBTQIA people This Pride month, our community reflects on embracing both neurodivergence and queerness MMS Staff 21 Jun 2024 3-min read Every June, Pride Month celebrates the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community. But within this collective coming together, it's important to remember that Pride could mean different things for different people. The essence of Pride is the diverse voices and lived experiences it represents and stands by, particularly for those at the intersections of multiple identities — such as neurodivergence, disability and LGBTQIA+. To fully honour the spirit of Pride, we need to embrace an intersectional approach that acknowledges and addresses the varied and complex realities of the entire community. And so we asked our community to share what Pride means to them, as neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ folx. Here’s what #MuchMuchSays : Embracing my neurodivergence and queerness. Unmasking with people who feel like home! 💖 Saving my spoons by not engaging with people who are judgy, ableist or dull my sparkle ✨ - @aditigangrade_ Learning how both these parts of me overlap and create an unique experience for me. Finding a community with more neuro-queer folx. Trying to understand ways to better support myself in allistic spaces. - @ usri.be _ing In theory, I 💯 support everything Pride stands for. I’m queer, nonbinary and autistic. Neuroqueer is also how I describe myself. I advocate for neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people in my job, and I live the values of Pride year-round. But I live in San Antonio, Texas, where Pride is celebrated outdoors in the 100 degree F summer heat. That heat is dangerous for me because of my fibromyalgia and because of the meds I take. Even when the parade starts at 9 pm, it usually hasn’t cooled off that much. - @stardust_silkys Embracing yourself and everyone for who they are. Love my autism and my LGBTQ+ identity. Love has no limits. - @_irigeorge_iridizontas Celebrating love with understanding inclusive people (I'm in a straight marriage, but I love love and it should always be celebrated!). Showing my respect to those who have suffered from discrimination just for wanting to be loved and understood x - @debworth88 There are lots of ways of existing as a happy healthy human that isn’t the standard path society tells us are the norm - @peachnpumpkin Being actually included by queer groups 🥰🥰🥰 - @yagamilight3000 As a straight and cisgendered autistic man, I feel connected to other people who I think are also neurodivergent. I believe that the areas of the brain where sexual orientation and gender identity exist are their own distinct neurotypes. When someone isn’t straight or cisgender, those neurotype ares are the result of neurodivergent brain structures. While I don’t have the experiential empathy of being someone of the LGBTQIA+, I share a more generalized experience of not being what everyone wanted me to be and being misunderstood throughout my life; it’s from this that I can draw up empathy for LGBTQIA+ people. The must be treated with dignity, respect, compassion, understanding and visibility. - @bradcotter002 A proof that it is NOT illegal or “sinful” to love sby of your own gender or both!! 🥳🍾🎊🎉🏳️🌈💜💙 #itsokaytobegay 😎🌈 - @mariksen Rainbows and parties 🌈 🌈🌈😂 I don’t need a special month to live the “pride lifestyle”. - @_katbls_ Almost all of my neurospicy friends are queer.. theyre inextricably linked. There is pride in accepting our neurodivergence and our sexuality and gender identities. Its just another thing to celebrate and be proud of. To stand up for and speak out about. Let our voices be heard - @hanami_dango_ Pride is more than a celebration; it's a pivotal moment of visibility and acceptance for those who often navigate multiple layers of marginalisation. By listening to the voices of the neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ community and implementing inclusive practices, we can ensure that Pride is an empowering experience for everyone involved. PS: Our Community series stories are unedited for grammar or spelling, and posted as received on our socials. The original comments can be found on our Instagram . Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Sophie Morgan’s film - Fight to Fly - to come out on Channel 4 July 22 < Back Disability, News, Media New documentary on issues faced by disabled air travellers Sophie Morgan’s film - Fight to Fly - to come out on Channel 4 July 22 MMS Staff 19 Jul 2024 2-min read British TV presenter Sophie Morgan’s documentary on the issues faced by disabled people - particularly those with restricted mobility - when travelling by flights is set to release July 22 at 9 pm BST on Channel 4. The film - chronicling the experiences of multiple disabled travellers - follows Morgan as she campaigns for more awareness and sensitivity toward disabled people using mobility devices such as wheelchairs to travel by air. Morgan’s mission to make air travel equitable for all started early last year when, on a flight back from USA to the UK, her carrier damaged her wheelchair. At the time, her social media posts about the incident went viral , prompting her to start a campaign that is now called Rights On Flights. Asked what kinds of problems disabled people often face on flights, Morgan said: “It starts from the minute you book: sometimes airlines can be really difficult and refuse you travel if your wheelchair is a certain height, or a certain width, or over a certain weight, or if your battery is a certain size. And that's if the website is particularly accessible digitally anyway — this is not just about wheelchair users, there are problems across the board for all types of people, with different types of disabilities.” While the documentary itself chronicles experiences ranging all the way from people having to drag themselves to the aircraft toilet to others having to starve and dehydrate themselves while on board to yet others whose mobility aids have suffered damage. Morgan points out that it’s not even necessarily only the fault of the staff being under-trained - the entire system is, in fact, ableist. India, too, is fighting the good fight against ableism in air travel. Last year, on a flight to Mumbai from Delhi, activist Virali Modi was left behind in an aeroplane for almost 40 minutes after all other passengers had deplaned. The campaign has seen Morgan visit Downing Street as well as the White House, calling for better legislation to ensure a better air travel experience for people with disabilities. As for the documentary, it covers the campaign from the beginning, the reason for its establishment, Morgan’s aims and goals, as well as the harrowing journeys of other wheelchair users, who have gone undercover and filmed their experiences for the purpose of the film. “I'm delighted that (the campaign) was successful, but I'm gutted that it happened — it's quite shocking what we uncover, but in many ways it's not shocking. Every time these stories come out, the non-disabled community kind of go 'oh my gosh, that is shocking, I had no idea' and we're like 'we're trying to tell you! This happens to us all the time!’ Morgan said. Ever since starting the campaign, Morgan adds, some airlines have taken note while others still haven’t. “I hope the airline industry sits up and takes notice, I hope they realise that we aren't going anywhere, that they have to meet the problems head-on. There's a real opportunity here for an airline to lead the way and be better, and I can't wait for that airline to really step up and embrace that.” Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

With deepfakes becoming a global threat, founders call for an increase in funding to women-led AI companies < Back Gender, Work, News Fund women AI founders NOW With deepfakes becoming a global threat, founders call for an increase in funding to women-led AI companies MMS Staff 23 Jul 2024 5-min read In what seems to be the latest in a string of gross misuse cases of AI technology, a teenage schoolboy from Victoria, Australia was arrested last month for allegedly generating and distributing deepfakes of his female classmates. The accused - who shared the images on social media - was caught by police, and soon released without charge. The incident has prompted renewed conversation around the gendered nature of the misuse of this technology and how concrete action can be taken to ensure the safety of girls and women. This is also not the first time AI-generated deepfakes have made their way into schools. Similar events have unfolded in Beverly Hills, California, Spain and New Jersey. And nudes aren’t the only kind of deepfake imagery being made. The last couple of years have seen AI-generated deepfake videos of political speeches, such as this one featuring Duwaraka Prabhakaran, daughter of Tamil Tiger militant chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, who - at the time of the release of this video - had died more than a decade ago. Then late last year, a deepfake video featuring Indian actor Rashmika Mandanna went viral. The actor subsequently tweeted: “...if this happened to me when I was in school or college, I genuinely can’t imagine how could I (sic) ever tackle this.” And more recently, the content creator and actor Bhuvan Bam saw his face in a deepfake, promoting betting in sport. The actor was quick to put out a clarification saying it wasn’t him but a deepfake, and that his team had already filed a police complaint alerting the authorities. On July 8, this story in the Deccan Chronicle mentioned that the Indian government plans to introduce a bill in parliament to put a check on AI technology and regulate online content. ‘According to sources, the bill aims to explore better ways to use technology and develop legal frameworks to address challenges posed by deepfakes and AI-generated content, reflecting the growing global concern about these issues,’ the article said. However, culpability, it seems, doesn’t rest on the creators of deepfake apps. ‘These platforms make money from platforming content but take no responsibility for doing so,’ says the Guardian . Moreover, it has for long now been amply clear that the current landscape of these spaces is marked by a dominance of male perspectives. This story by Routledge points out how this affects the safety of women and girls in the digital world. The emergence of AI-driven deepfake technology has provided perpetrators with frightening new avenues for sexual exploitation, violation and abuse. With the help of this new technology, offenders can seamlessly blend and manipulate different visuals and audio clips taken from social media platforms, cameras placed in public, or private, settings, hacked devices, discussion boards, pornography websites, and other online spaces to create lifelike explicit content.  What is especially alarming is the sheer scale and scope of this phenomenon. Because of this new technology, perpetrators have a nearly limitless capacity to exploit anyone across the globe who has ever been photographed or captured on video. Such malicious content is at risk of being continuously shared, traded, consumed, distributed, and further manipulated by other men participating in these crimes. So, while recent developments in AI tools may be exciting to many, for women and girls in particular, there is a range of current and potential disadvantages and violations. Entrepreneur Cindy Gallop - who runs the crowdsourced social sex video sharing platform MakeLoveNotPorn - reacted to the Victoria news with this LinkedIn post, which reads: “FUND. FEMALE. AI. FOUNDERS. Because that’s the only way we can scale solutions to this.” Gallop’s call for funding for women entrepreneurs working in AI is a growing chorus of voices demanding a more equitable funding - and representation - landscape in AI. AI gender bias is all too common , resulting from skewed data and underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women, which has a bearing on machine learning technology and algorithms, further perpetuating biases, which, in less severe cases manifest in the form of denied opportunities to women, and, in more severe cases, as gender-based violence in the form of deepfakes. This 2019 research shows that women are the primary victims of deepfakes. And a related, concerning trend is the growing use of deepfake technology as a tool of revenge. ‘96% of this type of online videos were of intimate or sexual nature. The victims were primarily women, often actresses, musicians, and to a lesser extent, media professionals. In contrast, videos without explicit content primarily targeted men (61 percent), mainly politicians and corporate figures,’ the study says. While discussions around protecting women’s safety in the AI era are multifaceted, one place to begin could be to have more women representation in tech companies and AI teams, partner up with more women founders, especially in AI, and use feminist data practices to help fill data gaps where women aren’t correctly - or adequately - represented. However, it’s also clear that AI is a space dominated by powerful, wealthy men who, as Gallop puts it, “have no intention of welcoming, listening to, funding, and working with women leaders, founders, technologists, and scientists whose views are not completely aligned with and preferably subordinate to theirs.” “The young white male founders of the giant tech platforms that dominate our lives today are not the primary targets (online or offline) of harassment, abuse, racism, sexual assault, violence, rape, revenge porn. So they didn’t, and they don’t, proactively design for the prevention of any of those things. Those of us who are at risk every single day — women, Black people, people of color (sic), LGBTQ, disabled — design safe spaces, and safe experiences,” she says. Gallop’s thinking and her approach to AI clearly goes to show how data and machine learning technologies not working with datasets that are heavily influenced by the white man’s view of the world can produce AI technology coded with algorithms that ensure women’s safety - both online and offline. Time to rewrite the rulebook - can AI become a tool for empowerment, or will it forever be coded with bias? Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Season 1 of our first original series that brings you stories of neurodivergent and disabled people from across the spectrum. < Back Series Alag Hain Kam Nahi (Different Not Less) Season 1 of our first original series that brings you stories of neurodivergent and disabled people from across the spectrum. It was mid-2022. Aditi and Aalap had just discovered their neurodivergent identities, and were speaking to other neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers to better understand ways to take up space. A team member suggested turning the entire journey into a series so that it could help other late-discovered neurodivergents on their paths to self-acceptance and love. And that's how 'Alag Hain Kam Nahi' was born, an ode to the international #DifferentNotLess disability movement. Shot May through August, 2022, the series spotlights the richly varied lives of six neurodivergent and disabled individuals, and invites viewers on a journey illuminating the vibrant experiences of its protagonists, effectively challenging societal perspectives on neurodivergence and disability. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZiKggZujcE Meet Nehal Tiwari, a Mumbai-based analyst and stone painter. Diagnosed with autism at two, Nehal's story is a testament to the benefits of early intervention and community support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhZ2Hb2z8y0 Meet Savitri Gupta, IIT Bombay's first visually impaired female Ph.D. student. Savitri is a human rights researcher and advocates for orphan and disabled communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BofHUMffxHA Meet Vir Kapoor, a17-year-old coder, baker, and aspiring model. Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Vir welcomes us into his world of Meccano, puzzles, robotics, and music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0reJgv8whw Meet Risshan Patil, a 16-year-old autistic musician-singer diagnosed at two-and-a-half years old, Risshan has been singing and dancing since a very early age, and was a member of the Six Pack Band 2.0 by Yashraj films. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_oKtCKp_4o Meet Aarti Nagarkar, a 35-year-old autistic woman and the boss woman at Cafe Arpan. She sings, draws, loves Jimmy Fallon, and enjoys hosting people at her cafe. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back ORIGINALS

Newly opened Sagar Express will empower neurodivergent individuals through meaningful employment < Back News, Neurodiversity, Work Delhi High Court welcomes neurodivergent run cafe Newly opened Sagar Express will empower neurodivergent individuals through meaningful employment MMS Staff 7 Jul 2024 2-min read Starting next week, the Delhi High Court will see the opening of Sagar Express, a cafe run entirely by neurodivergent individuals. Aimed at creating meaningful employment opportunities centred around a strengths-based approach to neurodivergence, the cafe is set to break down societal barriers and stigma that persist in society about the capabilities of neurodivergent individuals. The initiative is spearheaded by Senior Advocate Ravi Gupta, chairman of the Shaurya Foundation Trust (SFT), who has a deeply personal connection to the cause. “The main motive of opening this cafe is to empower such persons financially,” Gupta shared in this Indian Express article, emphasising the importance of financial independence for neurodivergent individuals. Upon its opening, Sagar Express will be staffed by six neurodivergent individuals including those who are autistic. From managing the counter and handling sales to serving South Indian cuisine, these employees will be at the heart of the cafe's operations. The cafe, a collaborative effort with the well-known restaurant chain Sagar Ratna, is the culmination of two years of intensive staff training. “The majority of persons that will run the cafe will be those with neurodiversity… they’ll be given managerial positions,” Gupta said. The decision to have neurodivergent individuals in leadership roles ensures that the staff not only gain employment but also take on significant responsibilities in the organisation, showcasing their skills and competencies in a real-world setting. It goes to show that neurodivergent individuals are competent leaders. Gupta's journey into supporting neurodivergent adults began in 2002 when he and his wife Rani adopted a boy named Shaurya. Diagnosed autistic before his second birthday, Shaurya became the inspiration for the couple's dedication to this cause. Since 2011, SFT has been actively working to support and train neurodivergent adults. The opening of Sagar Express is another decisive step towards inclusive employment. Not only will it demonstrate that neurodivergent individuals can excel in diverse roles, it'll also serve as a model for other organisations to follow. Some other restaurants & cafes run by disabled and neurodivergent people in India include: Cafe Arpan by Yash Charitable Trust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_oKtCKp_4o Soho House Mumbai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2m3Ogmpfcg The Chocolate Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_NK3EK6Xao Mitti Cafe Aditi's Corner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN_U6aulgec KFC India https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JFCUzcS07w Mirchi & Mime Madeira & Mime Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Understanding our world’s most urgent environmental challenges < Back Climate 8 things to know about climate change this World Environment Day Understanding our world’s most urgent environmental challenges MMS Staff 6 Jun 2024 2-min read This World Environment Day, it’s time to get real about climate change. Our planet is hitting some scary milestones, and - basically - it’s now or never. Here are eight climate change facts that we can't ignore any longer: Record temperatures: Seriously, 2023 was the hottest year on record. The heat is not just uncomfortable — it’s proving deadly for people and the planet. This trend is like a giant warning sign that we need to cut down on greenhouse gases. Check out the stats and freaky details on the EU’s climate monitoring service . If this doesn’t signify a clear and pressing need to address global warming, we don’t know what will. 2. Rising sea levels: As polar ice caps continue to melt, sea levels are rising at an alarming rate, threatening to reshape our coastlines and displace coastal communities around the world. Head to NASA’s sea level change portal to find out more. 3. Increased weather extremes: From devastating hurricanes and wildfires to severe droughts, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are going up, showing us how important it is to have resilient infrastructure and emergency preparedness. These incidents are chaotic and costly. Get the full low down here: NOAA’s extreme weather tracker . 4. Biodiversity loss: Climate change is a big threat to biodiversity. Animals and plants around the world are in serious danger. As habitats disappear faster than free Wi-Fi, entire species are going extinct, and countless others are at an increased risk of extinction due to habitat loss and changing ecosystems. Learn more at the World Wildlife Fund website. 5. Economic impact: Climate change is expensive — like seriously expensive. From ruined crops to rebuilding infrastructure after climate-related disasters, the economic hit is sometimes irrecoverable, affecting global economies and individual livelihoods. Bloomberg has the economic forecast on climate change costs . 6. Energy revolution: And now for a (little) bit of good news — renewable energy is on the rise, and it’s our best shot at a clean future. Solar power, wind energy, and other sustainable sources are key to reducing the use of fossil fuels. Renewable Energy World tells you how. 7. Innovative solutions: Technologies like enhanced geothermal systems, super-efficient solar cells, and heat pumps are taking the lead in providing cleaner energy alternatives and improving energy efficiency. They’re making green energy cheaper and more accessible. MIT Technology Review carries the latest in climate tech. 8. Global action required: Combating climate change requires global cooperation. International agreements and local initiatives are both crucial in addressing the many challenges posed by climate change. Learn how you can make a difference at United Nations Climate Action . This World Environment Day, let’s pledge to be more mindful of our environmental impact and take actionable steps towards sustainable living. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Reclaiming and celebrating the overlapping experiences of neurodivergence and queerness. < Back LGBTQIA+, Neurodiversity, Gender What is neuroqueerness - Pride Month Special Explainer Reclaiming and celebrating the overlapping experiences of neurodivergence and queerness. MMS Staff 1 Jun 2024 3-min read If you’re diving into what it means to be neuroqueer, you're not just unpacking an identity but a whole movement. Neuroqueerness is a relatively new and evolving concept that sits at the vibrant intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ identities. This theory extends the principles of queer theory to neurocognitive and neurobehavioral deviations, challenging conventional norms around both gender/ sexuality and neurological functioning. Through this lens, neuroqueerness advocates for a radical rethinking of societal norms and behaviors, encouraging individuals to explore and embrace their unique differences as integral components of their identity. What’s neuroqueerness anyway? Neuroqueerness is this radical idea that comes from not fitting into the typical boxes society has laid out. It’s where our neurodivergent selves — be it autism, ADHD, or any other neurodivergence — meet our queer identities. This intersection makes us question and often redefine gender, sexuality, and how we navigate social interactions. The intersection of neurodivergence & queerness Studies show a higher prevalence of non-heterosexual orientations and non-traditional gender identities among neurodivergent individuals compared to the neurotypical population. For example, research indicates that up to 70% of autistic individuals identify as non-heterosexual . A significant number of people within the neurodivergent community also identify with non-binary or genderqueer identities, suggesting a fluidity in gender that parallels their unique neurological make-up. Both neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ individuals often face societal exclusion and misunderstanding. Personal narratives: voices of the neuroqueer community Many neuroqueer individuals describe a journey of self-discovery that involves connecting the dots between their neurodivergence and their queer identities. For some, understanding their neurodivergence provides clarity on why they may feel different not only in terms of cognitive functioning but also in their gender and sexual identity. The social misunderstandings common to both identities can complicate personal and professional relationships. However, embracing both identities can lead to a powerful self-awareness and authenticity. Personal stories often highlight moments of acceptance and empowerment when neuroqueer individuals find communities that embrace all aspects of their identity. The importance of inclusive spaces Creating spaces that are both neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming is crucial. These spaces not only provide safety and acceptance but also empower neuroqueer individuals to express their identities fully. Educational programs, workplace policies, and community initiatives that address both neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ issues can help in fostering an inclusive society. Increasing awareness about neuroqueerness through education can help dismantle stereotypes and reduce stigma. Community participation programs such as workshops, seminars, etc, and media representation that include neuroqueer voices can enlighten the broader public and foster empathy and understanding. Advocacy is needed to push for policies that specifically address the needs of the neuroqueer community, such as healthcare tailored to their unique challenges, anti-discrimination protections, and support in educational and employment settings. Real talk: the challenges and joys Navigating the world as a neuroqueer person can be tough. We often deal with misconceptions about both our neurodivergence and our queer identities. Sometimes, it feels like we're fighting on two fronts: advocating for acceptance while also battling ableism and queerphobia. However, there's immense joy and freedom in finding and embracing our true selves, and in connecting with others who get the struggle and the beauty of being neuroqueer. Conclusion Being neuroqueer is a journey of constant exploration and advocacy. It’s about challenging the norms, embracing the fluidity of our identities, and building communities that recognize the depth of our experiences. So here’s to all my neuroqueer pals out there: your experiences are valid, your challenges are seen, and your potential to reshape the world is immense. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

In 2025, singlehood isn’t a failure or a phase. It’s a clear, intentional choice for peace and autonomy < Back Community, Gender Why more women are choosing single over settling In 2025, singlehood isn’t a failure or a phase. It’s a clear, intentional choice for peace and autonomy MMS Staff 4 Jan 2026 6-min read In late December, 2025, British Vogue published a piece that caught fire online: a collage of women describing why they’d stepped away from dating, relationships, and the emotional tug-of-war of “maybe he’ll change.” One line landed especially hard: a woman describing her ex as a “peace thief.” Another said, flatly, “There’s no way a man could make my life better.” It was easy to read those quotes as just another viral breakup moment. But what made the essay travel wasn’t the drama. It was recognition. Because for a lot of women, 2025 didn’t feel like the year they “gave up on love.” It felt like the year they stopped negotiating with exhaustion. Like they stopped auditioning for basic consideration. Like they finally treated their peace as something worth protecting. And behind that shift lies a bigger truth: when relationships are built on unequal labour - emotional, domestic, caregiving, financial - opting out stops being a personal preference and starts looking like a rational response. What “choosing yourself” actually means (and what it doesn’t) The internet loves a clean storyline: women are choosing themselves, end of discussion. But real life is messier. “Choosing yourself” can mean leaving a relationship that slowly shrinks your nervous system. It can mean refusing to be someone’s therapist, mother, scheduler, reminder app, and career coach while your own needs stay “too much.” It can mean deciding you’d rather live with a quiet home and a full group chat than a partner who adds more work than warmth. But it also needs nuance: not everyone is single by choice. Loneliness is real. So is desire. So is the grief of wanting partnership and not finding it safely or sustainably. What’s changing isn’t that women have stopped wanting love. It’s that more women are publicly saying: love can’t require self-erasure. The data behind the mood: marriage is no longer the default “fulfilling life”. In a Pew Research Center survey (April, 2023) about what Americans think contributes to a fulfilling life, people ranked job satisfaction and close friendships far above marriage or having children. Only about 23% of US adults said being married is “extremely” or “very” important for a fulfilling life. 44% said it’s “not too” or “not at all” important. Women, in that survey, were less likely than men to rank marriage as highly important. That’s not the death of marriage. It’s the end of marriage as a universal life requirement - at least in how many people imagine meaning, stability, and “a good life”. And it aligns with a second trend: the growing visibility of life paths that don’t revolve around coupledom. People are building futures around community, work, creativity, chosen family, non-traditional partnerships, co-living, or simply space to breathe. Why more women are walking away: the unpaid labour math For decades, women have been told relationships are where they’ll find support. But many have experienced the opposite: relationships as a second job . Globally, women and girls shoulder 76% of unpaid care responsibilities, amounting to billions of hours of unpaid work each day, according to UN human rights experts . That statistic isn’t just about chores. It’s about how society is structured: who is expected to remember birthdays, manage elders’ health appointments, keep track of school forms, notice the empty fridge, absorb emotional fallout, and smooth over conflict. This is why “peace” shows up so often in women’s language now. Because what many women are naming isn’t a lack of romance. It ’s time poverty, role overload, and the slow drain of being the one who holds everything together. Research also links unequal domestic labour to women’s well-being. A large review of research on “invisible household labor” notes that unequal division of labor at home is associated with women’s psychological distress, depression, and role overload, especially in parenting contexts where demands intensify. So yes, some women are choosing singlehood. But often they’re choosing something even more basic: a life that doesn’t run on their unpaid labour. “It’s not a dating trend. It’s a reckoning.” That’s what the British Vogue essay captured so sharply, the feeling that women are done treating disappointment as normal. Done being told that a man being “not that bad” is something to be grateful for. Done being socialized to stay, soften, tolerate, and translate. In the piece, the author describes ending things after a man showed up two hours late to a date. Not because it was the worst betrayal imaginable, but because she realized she didn’t have to swallow her needs to keep someone around. That’s the emotional heart of this cultural moment: women noticing the small disrespect that used to be normalized, and deciding it’s not the price of love anymore. The safety context we can’t ignore: “intimate life” can carry real risk. There’s another layer here that doesn’t trend as easily: relationships aren’t just emotionally costly. In many parts of the world, they can be physically dangerous. A UNODC and UN Women femicide brief (released November 2025) reported that in 2024, 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed, and 60% (50,000) were killed by intimate partners or family members. That’s one woman or girl killed by a partner or family member almost every 10 minutes. This doesn’t mean relationships are inherently unsafe. But it does mean that “just get married” or “just compromise” is not neutral advice. When women say they’re protecting their peace, sometimes they mean they’re protecting their lives. For disabled and neurodivergent women, the stakes can be even higher. Disabled and neurodivergent women often face a uniquely tangled set of pressures: Being told partnership is “security” while also being more vulnerable to control, dependency, or infantilization. Being expected to overcompensate in relationships to be seen as “worth loving”. Having access needs dismissed as “too much”, “too sensitive”, or “dramatic”. Carrying caregiving responsibilities while also needing care, and being shamed either way. When mainstream culture frames single women as “sad” or “left behind”, it misses how many women are actively building safer, softer, more regulated lives with friendships, community, chosen family, and self-trust as the infrastructure. The internet didn’t start this, but it made it visible. One of the most interesting parts of this shift is how loudly it’s happening in public now. Online, women are sharing “divorce diaries”, “anti-marriage memes”, and glow-up singlehood stories, not because they’re performing bitterness, but because they’re unlearning shame. They’re exchanging scripts: how to leave, how to live alone, how to make a village, how to stop romanticizing struggle. In Pew’s 2023 survey , Americans ranked close friendships as a major pillar of a fulfilling life... far above marriage. That doesn’t feel abstract when you look at how women are actually living: calling friends after bad dates, moving in with roommates by choice, planning group trips, building mutual aid networks, choosing community over coupledom. When women stop begging for the bare minimum, it doesn’t mean romance is dead. It means the bar is finally where it should’ve been. At Much Much Spectrum, we hold space for all of it. The relief of leaving, the grief of wanting, the anger at unequal labour, the tenderness of friendship, the complicated reality that “choice” isn’t equally available to everyone. But we also believe something simple and radical: A relationship should add life to your life, not take it from you. If this story made you feel seen, tell us what “peace” looks like for you right now. In love, in friendship, in family, in solitude. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS