From unmasking at work to exploring new passions, here's how to navigate your new path < Back Neurodiversity, Work, Education 7 tips for reinventing your career after your neurodivergence discovery From unmasking at work to exploring new passions, here's how to navigate your new path MMS Staff 1 Aug 2024 5-min read So you were young, you fell in love with your idea of a career path or job, you pursued it, got placed at a company. And then it happened - you got an answer to a lot of your life’s questions with a late diagnosis or discovery, finding out you’re neurodivergent: ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism... or any of these conditions. And now, you want to unmask. You keep replaying your life thus far in your head, and you feel like you’d much rather do something else, be somewhere else, and be so much better at it too. Most late diagnosed/ discovered folx have been here - thinking their chosen job or career is something they want until the discovery/ diagnosis happens, and then suddenly they’re in the woods. Fortunately, there are some things you might want to consider if you’re in the same boat. Unmask at your current workplace - slowly, safely Let’s get this straight right up front - unmasking is difficult. And totally not recommended if you’re in a place where you might get taken advantage of. With that said, it is also one of the few ways to let your peers and co-workers know about the challenges you’re having. If you think you can speak to your boss about this, and they’ll understand, maybe that’s something to consider? It won’t make the job feel less boring, but accommodations and support can surely go a long way in making things bearable until you’re able to find something more suited to your needs. Shift to a more suitable job within your organisation Picking up where point one left off, if it’s the role you truly despise, and your boss or upper management understands your situation, maybe shifting to a different role within the same organisation might be something to consider. A lot of people, especially those with customer-facing roles find they’re actually not so suited for those roles once they start doing them. Ask to be shifted to a department where the work is more suited to your talents. Upskill A lot of companies, including Google, IBM and Meta, offer online courses that you can take to learn a new skill. Certificate courses can be taken part time at a flexible schedule, which you can figure out based on your current workload, and they’re relatively inexpensive as well. Once you have a certificate in a skill that’s in demand, apply for new jobs. Sure you’ll have to begin as a fresher, but it will be worth it in the long run if you truly have a passion for it. Go back to college If you feel like a simple certificate course won’t cut it, and that you need to learn the fundamentals all over again, it’s never too late to consider going back to college. This is a path a lot of people have taken well into their 50s and 60s, and if it’s something you’re sure about, the plunge will be worth it. The flipside - college is expensive and a lot of people aren’t able to afford it. But there’s always scholarships and grants that you can apply for. Explore flexible work options Figure out what about the job or career doesn’t feel right. If it’s the long hours, see if your workplace is able to offer you a flexible schedule. If it’s the social aspect, figure out if socialising is something you can limit to only certain days or hours a week. If it’s a long commute, explore WFH or hybrid formats of work. It’s important to know which aspect of the job seems cumbersome and unsustainable for you in the long run so you don’t wind up in the same boat over and over again. Experiment with side projects or part-time work If work overall doesn’t feel good, and you can afford some time off, pick up that side project that you always wanted to but never could. See if that could turn into a paid opportunity. With so many businesses relying on the internet and social media, you’ll be surprised what people will pay for. Or, for the time being, while you figure things out, you could take up a part time gig just to pay the bills. The extra headspace always helps put things in perspective! Consider freelancing or entrepreneurship And if working in a corporate or an office environment at your desk for 9 hours a day every day just doesn’t feel so good anymore, you might want to consider a freelance career. Lots of specialists offer their time to companies as a ‘fractional’ consultant, which means they work that same role with multiple companies. While the work might still be hectic, at least you’re your own boss and you'll be able to work by your hours. Another path to consider is entrepreneurship. And while running your own shop might have many downsides (and wayyyy more stress!), if aspects such as innovation, improvisation, and leadership come to you naturally, you’ll excel at it. Whichever of these paths you wind up taking, remember that it’s important to focus on your strengths. You will need to learn to advocate for yourself politely and assertively, and while it may seem like a drag to try and be social, networking within different communities really helps give perspective (and also, who knows, job opportunities in a field you like!). Join WhatsApp and Telegram groups started for neurodivergent folx by neurodivergent folx, and don’t be afraid or shy to ask for help from people there. It’s easy to blame yourself when things aren’t going right, but this is probably when it’s most important to actively practise self-compassion. Keep telling yourself that no time is ‘too late’ to have had a diagnosis or discovery, and that you can still pursue what you really like, what suits you, and pays you well. Finally - use social networks like LinkedIn and Indeed to keep yourself up-to-date on the job market in your field of interest. Follow companies you want to work with, and learn how to build a solid resume that highlights your strengths. And, if through this journey you see your mental health taking a toll, don‘t beat yourself up over it. Instead, consider therapy. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Ira Khan tells Much Much Media why Gen-Z is the loneliest generation ever < Back Community, Health, Parenting Why Gen Z feels so alone Ira Khan tells Much Much Media why Gen-Z is the loneliest generation ever MMS Staff 7 Jan 2026 5-min read In the first episode of Much Much Media’s chat show, Parenting Aaj Kal, Ira Khan says something a lot of Gen Z has felt in their chest for years but rarely had the words for: loneliness isn’t an exception anymore. It ’s becoming the default setting. And what’s unsettling isn’t just that young people feel lonely. It’s how quietly it has become normal. When loneliness becomes normal, it stops sounding like an emergency. It starts sounding like personality. Like a flaw. Like “maybe I’m just bad at friends.” But that story doesn’t hold up, not when you look at what has changed around young people, what has been taken away, and what has been made harder to access. “If you’ve never played like that…”: the kind of childhood many Gen Z kids didn’t get A generation ago, the script for childhood friendships was simpler: you’d go downstairs, find kids, play, fight, make up, repeat. Not perfectly. But often enough that you learned the messy basics of being with other people. In the episode, Ira names what’s missing now: the everyday, unstructured kind of play that teaches you how to belong without requiring a calendar invite. She puts it in a line that lands like a bruise: “If you’ve never played like that, how would you know you’re missing anything?” That question matters because it explains something many adults misunderstand about Gen Z loneliness. You can’t “just go make friends” if you didn’t grow up in environments where friendship happened easily: in parks, corridors, sports grounds, building compounds, school buses, streets, without supervision, without productivity goals, without a performance pressure to be “likeable.” If those spaces disappeared before you got to use them, connection starts to feel like a skill you were never taught. The loneliness is real — and the numbers back up the feeling Gen Z isn’t imagining this. Global data has been pointing in the same direction. A Meta–Gallup global survey across 142 countries found that 24% of people worldwide reported feeling “very” or “fairly” lonely, nearly one in four. And importantly, young adults aged 19–29 showed the highest levels, with 27% reporting feeling very or fairly lonely. Another Gallup measure (using a different question) found 23% of people worldwide said they felt loneliness “a lot of the day yesterday.” The point is: if loneliness is showing up at this scale, it’s not just an individual problem. It’s a social condition. And that’s exactly what Ira’s framing pushes us toward. A bigger, more systemic question: What happened to community? Why this isn’t just about screen time Yes, digital life shapes how Gen Z connects. But the deeper shift is what digital life replaced, and what society failed to build alongside it. In many places, kids today have: less unstructured time more academic pressure and packed schedules fewer accessible “third places” (spaces outside home and school where you can just exist) more safety fears (often real) that keep parents from letting kids roam and a culture that treats rest and play like something you must earn So friendships don’t form through “bumping into each other.” They form through planning, and planning requires time, energy, transport, money, and emotional bandwidth. That’s not neutral. That’s a filter. It decides who gets connection easily and who has to work for it. When “hanging out” becomes a logistical project Research is increasingly documenting a shift away from in-person social time. An OECD report notes that across OECD countries, longer-term trends show people are meeting in person less often, while digital interactions have become more frequent. The same report points out that people are often more likely to stay in touch remotely than meet up in person. For example, in European OECD countries, weekly remote contact outpaces weekly in-person get-togethers. This matters because digital connection can be meaningful but it doesn’t always meet the same needs as shared physical space: the micro-moments, the awkward silences, the inside jokes that happen when you’re simply around each other long enough. And when in-person connection becomes rare, it can start to feel… intense. Like a date. Like pressure. Like something you must perform well. That’s how loneliness can deepen: not only do you feel alone, you start to fear the very closeness you want. Loneliness isn’t a personal failure. It’s a public health issue When large numbers of people feel disconnected, the consequences aren’t just emotional. They show up in bodies and communities. The US Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory describes loneliness and isolation as a major health concern, linking lack of social connection to increased risk of physical and mental health harms. It also notes that the mortality impact of social disconnection is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. That framing is important because it shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What’s happened to our social fabric?” And once you see it that way, the “solution” can’t just be individual confidence hacks. It has to include social infrastructure: the spaces and conditions that make connection possible. Why this hits disabled and neurodivergent young people even harder Social issues don’t hit everyone equally. Loneliness intersects with disability, neurodivergence, chronic illness, mental health, and poverty not because disabled people are inherently lonelier, but because the world often blocks access to connection. The Surgeon General’s advisory notes that studies find high prevalence of loneliness and isolation among people with poor physical or mental health and disabilities, alongside financial insecurity and other structural vulnerabilities. Now layer that onto everyday reality: public spaces that aren’t physically accessible social plans built around sensory overload stigma that makes people treat disabled and neurodivergent kids as “too much” or “too difficult” bullying and exclusion in schools fewer inclusive community activities that don’t demand masking or social performance For many disabled and neurodivergent young people, loneliness isn’t about being “bad at socialising.” It’s about living in a world where social spaces weren’t designed with them in mind. When we talk about Gen Z loneliness, disability and neurodivergence can’t be an afterthought. Accessibility is community-building. So what do we do with this? Ira’s point in Parenting Aaj Kal isn’t nostalgia for a “better” childhood. It’s a prompt to notice what vanished, and to stop blaming young people for adapting to that loss. If loneliness has become Gen Z’s default, then the question becomes: how do we rebuild the conditions where belonging is ordinary again? Not through perfect friend groups. Not through forcing extroversion. But through small, structural shifts: protecting unstructured time in childhood (and honestly, in adulthood too) investing in accessible community spaces: parks, libraries, youth centres, hobby clubs designing social environments that don’t punish difference (sensory needs, communication styles, mobility needs) treating friendship and community as real life infrastructure, not an optional extra Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The singer, diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome, teared up belting out an Edith Piaf classic < Back Disability, News, Health Celine Dion makes grand comeback at Paris Olympics opening ceremony The singer, diagnosed in 2022 with Stiff Person Syndrome, teared up belting out an Edith Piaf classic MMS Staff 29 Jul 2024 2-min read Singer Celine Dion’s performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday left the audience mesmerised. Performing her rendition of an Edith Piaf classic from atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Dion’s was the last act of the opening ceremony. With Friday’s event, the Canadian singer-performer (56) broke her three-year hiatus, which she had gone on after being diagnosed with the neurological condition Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). News of her diagnosis first came in December 2022, when she revealed that she had been having involuntary spasms and muscle rigidity. At the time, Dion had posted a video to her Instagram saying the spasms were impacting ‘every aspect’ of her daily life. “It’s been a struggle. All I know is singing.” Last month, Prime Video released the documentary I Am: Celine Dion , directed by Irene Taylor, which shows what the singer’s journey has been like living with the condition. In one of the scenes, during a physical therapy session, Dion is seen having a seizure. Taylor said she and Dion discussed about retaining the entirety of the scene in the final cut. “‘I think this film can help others understand what it’s like to be in my body… I don’t want you to shorten that scene,’” Taylor said Dion told her at the time. SPS is a rare, chronic neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and sometimes intense muscle spasms in the trunk and limbs, affecting posture, balance, and the ability to use certain muscles. It usually has an autoimmune component, and, in some cases, can be progressive and painful. Only one in about a million people gets SPS, and the condition affects twice as many women as men. The condition is diagnosed based on symptoms, through neurological and neuromuscular exams, including electromyography, or EMG, to test muscle and nerve function. Diagnosis also often relies on a blood test that measures the GAD antibody. At the time of her diagnosis, lots of her fans expressed their worry openly about how Dion - one of the top-selling artists of all time with over 200 million albums sold - would never be able to make a mainstream comeback. However, Dion’s Friday evening performance demonstrates that with an accurate diagnosis, timely therapies and the right treatment plans, some conditions can be managed effectively, if not completely reversed. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Here's your list of heartwarming tales of inclusion for the holidays < Back Disability, Media, Neurodiversity Holiday movies & shows with disability portrayal you must watch Here's your list of heartwarming tales of inclusion for the holidays MMS Staff 26 Dec 2024 3-min read The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and gathering around stories that warm the heart. For many in the disability community, representation in these stories can be especially meaningful. This list highlights films and shows that affirm disability as part of the human experience, celebrating inclusion and offering nuanced portrayals that enrich the festive season. Christmas Ever After (2020) This romantic comedy stars Ali Stroker, a Tony-winning actor who uses a wheelchair, as Izzi Simmons, a romance novelist spending the holidays in a small-town inn. Izzi’s disability is not a plot point to overcome but an integral and affirming aspect of her character. The film’s joyful tone and authentic representation challenge stereotypes, offering a love story that centers a disabled woman’s agency and vibrancy. The Family Stone (2005) Thad Stone, a deaf and gay character, is portrayed as a vital and cherished member of his family in this ensemble holiday film. His relationship with his partner, Patrick, is depicted with warmth and normalcy, emphasizing the richness of intersectional identities. The inclusion of sign language and the film’s focus on family acceptance make it a thoughtful and affirming holiday story. Wonder (2017) Wonder shares the journey of Auggie Pullman, a boy with a craniofacial condition, as he navigates a new school environment. The film affirms Auggie’s worth and humanity by centering his resilience, while also showcasing the importance of community and kindness. Its celebration of difference and its message of empathy make it an inspiring watch for the holiday season. Snow Cake (2006) Set in a snowy Canadian town, Snow Cake features Sigourney Weaver as Linda, an autistic woman whose life intersects with that of a grieving stranger. Linda’s autism is portrayed as a fundamental part of her identity, highlighting her independence and unique perspective. The film’s winter setting and themes of connection and healing resonate deeply during the holidays, offering a compassionate and nuanced portrayal of disability. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) This animated classic serves as an allegory for disability and societal exclusion. Rudolph’s red nose, initially viewed as a flaw, becomes his strength, mirroring the experiences of many disabled individuals. The Island of Misfit Toys reflects a world where difference is isolated, yet ultimately celebrated. The story’s affirmation of individuality and its heartwarming resolution remain timeless. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) & (1994) These beloved films explore themes of belief, acceptance, and understanding, resonating with disabled audiences through their broader message of valuing individuality. While not explicitly about disability, the characters’ journeys challenge societal norms, advocating for inclusion and empathy. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) This iconic holiday film subtly addresses disability through Harry Bailey, who loses his hearing as a child. More broadly, the story’s message — that every life has value and impact — aligns with disability affirming principles. By celebrating interconnectedness and community, the film underscores the importance of recognizing everyone’s contributions. Last Christmas (2020) This romantic drama centers on Kate, a young woman living with a chronic heart condition. The film portrays her illness as part of her reality rather than a source of pity, emphasizing her journey toward self-acceptance and connection. By integrating humor, romance, and personal growth, Last Christmas offers an empowering narrative of resilience. Carol of the Bells (2019) This poignant drama focuses on a man reconnecting with his birth mother, who has Down syndrome. Featuring actors with disabilities, the film affirms the inherent value and dignity of all its characters. Its authentic performances and themes of forgiveness and family make it a powerful and affirming holiday story. Klaus (2019) This animated gem includes a Deaf character who communicates through sign language, woven naturally into the story’s tapestry. The film’s themes of kindness, transformation, and community resonate deeply, offering an inclusive and visually stunning holiday experience. This Is Us (2016 – 2022) This critically acclaimed series features Jack Damon, a blind musician, as a central character. Through its holiday episodes, the show explores family, accessibility, and resilience, presenting disability as a natural part of life. Jack’s journey affirms the richness of diverse lived experiences, making This Is Us an emotionally resonant choice for the season. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

How global communities thrive together - the benefits of play, obstacles, and its future < Back Parenting, Education, Health Why play is important: International Day of Play 2024 How global communities thrive together - the benefits of play, obstacles, and its future MMS Staff 11 Jun 2024 7-min read India has a popular saying: ‘ Padhoge likhoge banoge nawab, kheloge kudoge banoge kharab.' Roughly translated, it means: “Study and you’ll become a respectable person. Play and you'll fail in life." Which - tbh - couldn't be further from the truth. The first-ever International Day of Play is going to be observed on 11 June 2024, marking a significant milestone in efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritise play so that all people, especially children, can reap its lifelong rewards. Play transcends language, culture, and age. It acts as a catalyst for development and well-being. It is also an essential part of a child’s development, and is particularly important in early childhood when children are growing and learning most rapidly. According to this UNICEF report , playing with children is a fundamental aspect of parenting. Simple, playful interactions with adults help infants develop sturdy brain architecture, the foundations of lifelong health, and the building blocks of resilience. “We are still not good enough at accommodating or acknowledging the child that thinks creatively. But, we are super good at rewarding the academically strong child,” a parent in Denmark told LEGO . The importance of play Beyond physical well-being, outdoor play stimulates cognitive, social and emotional growth. Being in nature helps children explore, experiment and develop problem-solving skills. The sensory experiences of the natural world enhance creativity and imagination, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity and contributing to overall development and well-being. Long term studies have shown that access to early play experiences boosts life outcomes substantially - a 42% raise in yearly earnings, 44% increase in high school graduations, and 17% increase in bachelor degrees, as per the The Case for Play report by the Playground Ideas. Play across different cultures Cultural traditions shape unique play experiences worldwide. For instance, Mancala, a game played in Africa, involves counting and strategy, teaching kids mathematical and critical thinking skills. Children in Italy, on the other hand, play Strega Comanda Color, which enhances language and social interaction skills. The need for inclusive play Research confirms that for children with disabilities too, play is an important way in which they make friends (Jeanes and Maggie, 2012). For many of these children in India, their home - or schools - are the only environments for play. However, accessibility is a concern. There are very few parks and playgrounds where children with disabilities can be found playing. Most schools and community play spaces (parks and public playgrounds) are often designed from the perspective of those without disabilities. Inaccessible structures, lack of trained staff to oversee the play, absence of allocation of free play time for children, resistance from children themselves, and substitution of therapy sessions in place of play are some of the common challenges in special schools that render almost no access to play spaces for children with disability, as per Play for All by Azim Premji University . The impact of play deficit on children’s health A comprehensive survey covering 85 cities across India, and covering 1.15 lakh children, revealed that 40% children do not maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). The situation is more dire in India's major metros — New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Pune — where children's health indicators are poorer compared to those from smaller towns and rural areas. The lack of physical play areas is directly impacting children's physical health. Anxiety and depression among school-aged children and teens in the United States are at an all-time high. In 2021, child and adolescent mental health was declared a national emergency. Although a variety of causes are thought to contribute to this decline in mental health, a new study in Science Daily by three prominent researchers specialising in child development points to a decline over decades in opportunities for children and teens to play, roam and engage in activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults. Impact of technology on play In the US, although 71% of parents played outside as a child, only 21% of their children play outside today. Technology is everywhere, and kids spend a lot of time on their cellphones, tablets and other electronic devices, as per Play World . Nearly 40% of India's schools have no playground. An Indian study says that over the past few decades, there has been a significant decline in children’s outdoor play. Several factors have contributed to this shift including the rise of technology, increased academic pressure, safety concerns and COVID-19. The allure of digital entertainment has drawn children indoors and to screens. Additionally, schools have increased academic demands, leaving children with limited free time for unstructured outdoor play. “Technology today allows children to still be creative and scientifically knowledgeable but learn in a fun way,” says a UK parent, to LEGO . Learning through play 83% of children say they learn better when it feels like play. 93% of parents think play should be used as a tool for child development and learning in schools. As per the Lego Play Well Report of 2018 , play is its own reward. We do it because it feels good. The urge to play is nature’s way of helping us make sense of the world and our place in it. Through play we learn how our minds and bodies work and discover how others think and feel. Through play we come to know what it means to belong, to be loved and feel happiness. Building a community through play Community play projects in India often focus on revitalising underused or neglected urban areas, turning them into safe and accessible play spaces. These projects are particularly vital in densely populated cities where children's play areas are scarce. Some notable initiatives working towards enhancing play opportunities: Bachpan Manao, Badhte Jao : Spearheaded by the EkStep Foundation , this initiative focuses on maximising the early childhood period (0 - 8 years) across India. For International Day of Play, they launched the #HourOfFreePlay challenge in collaboration with UNICEF, advocating for every child's right to play. While play should be part of children's lives every day, the call to action on June 11th is to include adults by encouraging them to pause whatever they’re doing from 5 pm to 6 pm and engage in an Hour of Free play (meaning activities led by children). Anthill Creations: Based in Bengaluru, this non-profit organisation builds safe, sustainable, and inclusive playgrounds using upcycled materials like tyres and oil drums. To date, Anthill Creations has constructed about 380 playgrounds across 22 states, demonstrating a scalable model of low-cost, high-impact community engagement. Kilikili: Another commendable effort is by Kilikili , an NGO based in Bengaluru, which aims at developing inclusive public play spaces in Bengaluru that would enable children with disabilities to secure their right to play alongside children without disabilities. Kilikili brings together multiple stakeholders – the local municipal corporation and parents, volunteers, disability rights organisations, citizen’s groups, resident’s associations, special and regular schools. Jabalpur’s child-focused urban planning: The city of Jabalpur is pioneering a new approach in urban planning with a focus on children’s needs. The city's officials are working on a play “master plan" that aims to ensure that every child has access to play opportunities within 500 metres of their home. This initiative is part of the broader “Nurturing Neighbourhoods Challenge” under the Smart Cities Mission, which aims to create child-friendly neighbourhoods in Indian cities. PepsiCo India's Gatorade 'Turf Finder': In collaboration with Leo Burnett India, Gatorade is set to launch Turf Finder , a platform designed to help people find available playing spaces in India’s crowded metropolitan areas. Starting in Mumbai and expanding to other major cities like Bengaluru, the platform addresses the acute shortage of recreational spaces in urban settings. The role of parents and guardians in play Parents and guardians are pivotal in guiding play. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2007) revealed that children whose parents actively engage in their play activities show improved language skills and social development. Challenges to play Despite its benefits, access to play is not universal. Urbanisation and socioeconomic factors often limit play opportunities. The Global Play Alliance (2022) states that 30% of urban children worldwide lack access to safe play spaces. India's vast diversity and rapidly growing urban areas present challenges in ensuring adequate play spaces for children. Government surveys highlight a concerning deficit with 40% of schools across the country lacking a playground, a figure that rises dramatically in states like Bihar and Odisha, where the absence of playgrounds affects 65% and 70% of schools, respectively. This lack of facilities is contributing to significant health issues among children. Future of play As per LEGO , on a societal scale economies are set to lose out on big social and economic benefits if early childhood development and play is not prioritised. A recent report by The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood estimated that investing in early childhood in the UK could add up to £45.5 billion (~INR 4 lakh crore) to the national economy each year. Simply put, playing is natural, healthy and part of being human - but it is also fundamental to personal and societal progress. This has long been recognised by the international community. Indeed, the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, which almost all countries in the world have signed, recognises the right to play. And earlier this year, in a nod to the importance of this universally human activity, the UN General Assembly adopted an International Day of Play. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A queer hockey romance wasn’t supposed to be a hit — until it was < Back Gender, LGBTQIA+, Media Heated Rivalry and the revolution of queer softness A queer hockey romance wasn’t supposed to be a hit — until it was MMS Staff 13 Jan 2026 5-min read For a long time, mainstream sports stories have followed the same script: grit, sacrifice, stoicism, and a version of masculinity that treats feelings like a liability. Then Heated Rivalry arrived. A gay hockey romance that refuses to flinch. Based on Rachel Reid’s beloved Game Changers novel, the six-episode series follows two rival stars, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, across nearly a decade of yearning, secrecy, tension, and devotion. The series premiered on Crave in Canada and streamed internationally on HBO Max, turning into a rare kind of breakout: a romance that didn’t need to “earn” its existence through tragedy or respectability politics. And that’s exactly what makes it culturally disruptive. Heated Rivalry is soft power, the kind that doesn’t shout, doesn’t preach, doesn’t ask permission. It just tells a story so magnetically human that your idea of what’s “normal” starts to shift while you’re still holding your breath. On paper, the industry skepticism makes sense: romance is still treated like a “guilty pleasure,” and queer romance in hyper-masculine spaces is often seen as niche. But Heated Rivalry flipped that assumption into a case study. In December 2025, Bell Media announced the series became Crave’s number 1 original series debut on record, with viewership increasing by nearly 400% since its November 28 premiere, an explosion that also helped propel its global rollout. The show’s momentum wasn’t confined to Canada. Trade coverage described it as a surprise phenomenon, and analysis pieces tracked how it held in HBO Max’s Top 10 in the US, even briefly overtaking other buzzy titles. Crave renewed it for Season 2 early, and the distribution deals quickly expanded across regions. The “revolution” isn’t that it’s queer, it’s that it’s joyful. So much queer storytelling, especially in the mainstream, has historically been shaped by what straight audiences can “handle”: pain, punishment, loss, cautionary endings. Heated Rivalry sidesteps that bargain. It leans into genre pleasure: enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn ache, and (yes) explicit intimacy, without turning queer desire into spectacle or apology. In an interview about the adaptation, creator Jacob Tierney explained that he didn’t want to water it down to something smaller than what the book promised. Tierney also insisted that the show keep what romance adaptations often erase: the full-bodied reality of intimacy, including consent and safe sex, choices that matter because they treat queer characters as worthy of care, complexity, and realism. Soft power: how stories change culture without a slogan Soft power is usually discussed in politics: influence that works through attraction, not coercion. In pop culture, it’s the slow, emotional persuasion of seeing something repeatedly until it becomes… ordinary. That’s what Heated Rivalry does. It doesn’t debate whether queer love belongs in a locker-room world. It simply shows it over and over as intimate, messy, funny, horny, protective, terrifying, exhilarating. And that matters in a media landscape where LGBTQ+ representation is both contested and fragile. GLAAD’s “Where We Are on TV” reporting has tracked declines in LGBTQ+ characters across broadcast and cable, and notes that a significant share of LGBTQ+ characters won’t return due to cancellations, endings, or anthology formats. So when a show builds a fandom around queer tenderness, not just queer survival, it’s expanding what audiences feel is possible. Hockey’s reality check: why this setting hits different To understand why this story lands like a shockwave, you have to look at hockey itself - a sport with a long reputation for coded masculinity, silence, and “don’t ask, don’t tell” culture. Even now, the NHL stands out in an uncomfortable way. As Outsports noted in January 2026, the NHL is the only men’s major pro league in North America that has never had a current or former player come out publicly as gay despite gay and bi players coming out at other levels of organized hockey. There are important steps forward, like Luke Prokop, who came out in 2021 and was described by NHL.com as working toward becoming the first openly gay NHL player. But the broader picture remains: elite men’s hockey still carries a unique absence of openly gay athletes at the top. That’s why Heated Rivalry feels like it’s pushing at the walls of the room. Redefining masculinity: the show’s most subversive “sex scene” is a hand on a cheek For decades, onscreen masculinity has been framed as emotional shut-down with a good jawline. Sports narratives have often glorified men who can take hits but can’t name a feeling. Shane and Ilya don’t fit that template. They remain elite athletes, competitive and proud, but they also apologize, ask for reassurance, sit in silence, and break open in private. The show’s emotional stakes aren’t just about “coming out.” They’re about what it costs to live a life where affection feels dangerous. In interviews, Hudson Williams has talked about how difficult it can be to play tenderness believably. That sometimes a subtle moment of touch can feel harder than filming explicit intimacy. “It can feel like a 10-mile drive to brush a cheek,” he said. That line captures the series’ whole thesis: softness can be the hardest thing to access in a world that trains men to stay sealed. And when softness becomes heroic, when vulnerability is framed as strength, that’s not just queer representation. That’s masculinity being rewritten in real time. The romance fantasy is intentional, and that’s part of the point There’s another clever choice here: Heated Rivalry doesn’t try to make its romance “gritty” to earn prestige. It embraces romance as romance - yearning, opulence, heightened emotion, fantasy. Even the production language supports that. In a Condé Nast Traveler feature, Tierney described leaning into the Harlequin DNA of the story, saying it “should not feel gritty” or “especially real.” Not every story has to be trauma to be “important.” Sometimes the most radical thing a show can do is let people be loved. Why Heated Rivalry feels youth-relevant right now Young audiences are fluent in the language of intimacy. Not just sex, but emotional clarity. They’re also exhausted by stories that treat marginalized people as teachable moments. So it makes sense that Heated Rivalry became the kind of obsession that lives beyond the episodes: memes, edits, cottage-week discourse, and a fandom built around ache as much as heat. It also arrives at a moment when queer stories are increasingly politicized, and when representation can be pulled back with a cancellation, a budget cut, a nervous executive decision. Heated Rivalry works because it doesn’t beg to be understood. It doesn’t translate queerness into palatable metaphors. It doesn’t punish its characters for wanting. It simply lets two men be in love, not as a lesson. What’s a story, a show, a film, a book, a reel that made you feel seen recently? 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

Based on a book by an autistic author and featuring an autistic actor, the show is a must watch < Back Neurodiversity, Media Geek Girl: Autistic representation reviewed by Aditi Gangrade Based on a book by an autistic author and featuring an autistic actor, the show is a must watch Aditi Gangrade 26 Jul 2024 3-min read As an autistic filmmaker, watching a show that features an autistic actor playing an autistic character, written by an autistic author, is pure joy. I'm talking about Geek Girl , a Netflix series based on the book series of the same name by Holly Smale. Autistic people are often labelled as weird, rude, lazy, or in this case, “geeks.” Geek Girl follows the story of Harriet Manners, a slightly awkward, not-so-popular, undiagnosed autistic teenager who gets scouted to be a model, along with all her struggles and shenanigans. Btw, this is not a show review. It's a representation review. What makes this show so relatable is how it portrays an undiscovered autistic girl navigating her difficult school life and the overnight fame she receives from the modelling world. While autism isn't explicitly mentioned in the show because the author, Holly Smale, didn't know she was autistic when she wrote it, the book is based on her personal experiences. Many neurodivergent people have lived somewhat similar lives - not knowing why we're different, feeling lost in a world that doesn't understand us. I really hope they mention autism and neurodivergence in upcoming seasons because just imagine the amount of realisations there will be among undiscovered folks. Ex-model turned successful teen author Holly Smale says, “The Geek Girl series is a story about being yourself, no matter what.” And that, in a nutshell, is unmasking! Harriet’s internal monologue throughout the show distinguishes her inner world from the outer world, something I deeply relate to. It was almost healing to listen to her internal monologue. While her peers are eager to get discovered by the fashion world, all Harriet can think about is where to hide at the fashion event she finds herself in. And despite this, she gets discovered by one of the top agents in the fashion industry. Being different often means being bullied. Harriet endures bullying and online trolling simply for being a “geek.” However, the fashion world embraces her with open arms. Amid the flashy lights and overwhelming sets, her modelling career begins to flourish as she establishes her support systems. She finds a friend and mentor in Nick, a supermodel, and her agent Wilbur is shown as one of the most affirming people. Seriously, if you want a guide to being a good manager or boss, look up Wilbur. Wilbur asks Harriet if she needs time or if things are too much for her. He even pushes her to claim her strengths. The label “geek” becomes an important part of her identity that she starts accepting and even celebrating with the help of her village comprising her dad (also very autistic-coded), stepmom, agent, friends, teachers, and even the fashion designers who surround her. Though in the beginning of the show, I didn't like it when Harriet’s dads says, “I don't want any labels on her,” and I think that’s just a wrong way of looking at things. Parents don’t want the neurodivergent label on their kids, but that just doesn't help. Still, throughout the show there are some heartwarming instances where they show Harriet being accommodated, her differences being understood by those around her, and her going out to claim her autistic identity. If you look at the details, you’ll see Harriet and another neurodivergent character, Toby, stimming. The thing I love about the autistic representation in Geek Girl is that it’s not stereotypical. And they haven't used the “geek” label as a stereotype either. Many neurodivergent people have gone undiscovered for years because, among other things, we’ve just never had real, honest, truthful representation. All people knew about autism was the savant-boys-and-men stereotype . Geek Girl has become one of the best autistic representations I've seen. And it is a lesson for all filmmakers, producers, and OTTs: Hire autistic actors, autistic writers, directors, producers, and filmmakers. There are so many of us who are good at what we do and have spent so much time unlearning ableism and learning about the right and affirming ways to address neurodiversity, and reframing the narrative. So if there’s one takeaway you should have, it’s definitely: “Nothing about us, without us.” Watch the #RepUp : Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The Discovering Hands program is a sureshot game changer in breast cancer screening < Back Disability, Health, News Blind women from India revolutionising early breast cancer detection The Discovering Hands program is a sureshot game changer in breast cancer screening MMS Staff 18 Sept 2024 4-min read Meenakshi Gupta has been blind since birth. She has been trained in a unique skill that many doctors and patients often miss — the ability to detect the smallest lumps in a woman’s breast that may signal the early stages of cancer. Gupta is one of 30 blind women trained through Discovering Hands, a global initiative that equips visually impaired women to become Medical Tactile Examiners (MTEs). For the past two years, Gupta has been working as an MTE at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Haryana, as part of a growing movement to improve early breast cancer detection in India. Introduced to India in 2017, the Discovering Hands program has expanded to major hospitals in Bengaluru, Varanasi, Gurugram, and Delhi. In a country where mammography equipment is often scarce, especially in rural areas, the expertise of these MTEs is crucial. Empowering through touch The concept behind Discovering Hands is revolutionary yet simple: train blind women to detect abnormalities in breast tissue. Dr Frank Hoffman, a German gynaecologist, founded the program after observing how many early-stage breast cancer cases were being missed worldwide. His vision led to the establishment of the first MTE training program in Germany, and the model has since spread globally. Gupta, like all the MTEs, underwent nine months of rigorous training — six months of classroom study focused on anatomy and clinical breast examination techniques, followed by a three-month internship. Additionally, she received mobility training, allowing her to navigate independently with her white cane, even through the often chaotic streets of Gurgaon. Despite the challenges, Gupta feels the work is worth the effort. “This role gives me both independence and a sense of purpose. I know that my work can help save lives,” she says. A transformative impact The Discovering Hands program has proven to be a game changer in breast cancer screening. Studies show that MTEs are 30% more effective at detecting tissue changes than doctors. Their ability to detect lumps in the earliest stages — sometimes even before they appear on imaging scans — has been validated through several independent research efforts. In 2023, a pilot study conducted by the University of Erlangen in Germany confirmed that MTEs performed breast exams with the same accuracy as doctors in identifying cancerous tumours. These findings were supported by Indian healthcare professionals like Dr D Pooja, a gynaecologist and CEO of Apar Health, who believes MTEs can make a significant difference, especially in low-resource settings. “A Medical Tactile Examiner’s work is empowering, particularly when many women do not have access to mammograms,” says Dr. Pooja. “It also eases the burden on overcrowded hospitals and clinics.” Overcoming challenges For Gupta, the path to becoming an MTE wasn’t without its difficulties. An arts graduate, her only prior exposure to science had been in high school. “Learning about breast anatomy and conducting clinical exams was tough,” she admits. In training, she practised on silicone models and used skin-friendly tape to map the breast into four zones. Probing each zone with varying pressure, MTEs can locate lumps and document their findings, providing precise information for doctors to follow up. “We examine the texture of each area — whether it’s hard or soft — and note the location, size, and shape of any lump we find,” explains Gupta. “But it’s not our role to diagnose whether a lump is cancerous.” Despite her extensive training, Gupta recalls feeling overwhelmed when she first examined a live patient. “My hands were shaking,” she says, “I worried I might miss something important.” Over time, her confidence grew, and now she examines up to eight patients a day. On average, she flags one or two abnormalities each day for further examination. Changing the landscape of breast cancer detection in India India faces significant barriers when it comes to early breast cancer detection. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, causing about 75,000 deaths annually. Cultural stigmas around breast exams and limited access to mammography equipment are major hurdles. This is where the Discovering Hands program has had a profound impact. Women are often more comfortable being examined by blind MTEs, and this reduces the stigma associated with breast exams. “The fact that these women are blind actually makes many patients feel less embarrassed,” notes Dr Kanchan Kaur, a breast cancer surgeon at Medanta Hospital. In India, where breast cancer tends to occur at a younger age and late-stage diagnoses are common, early detection can save lives. Nearly half of the cases seen by Kaur are already in advanced stages, when the chances of survival diminish significantly. She believes the program holds enormous potential for India, where only one in two women diagnosed with breast cancer survives. A hopeful future The program has been spearheaded in India by two women: Shalini Khanna Sodhi, Founding Director of the National Association for the Blind’s Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies, and Dr Kaur. Together, they have been instrumental in establishing the Discovering Hands initiative, providing opportunities for blind women to make a meaningful contribution to society while filling a crucial healthcare gap. “The work these women are doing is vital,” says Sodhi. “They’re not only assisting doctors but also giving visually impaired women dignity and purpose.” Yet, the program’s expansion is limited by funding. Currently, it costs about ₹2 lakh ($2,500) to train each MTE, with much of the program relying on private donations. “If we could expand this model, it could save so many more lives,” Sodhi says. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Actor shares how Taare Zameen Par hit hard because he had lived it < Back Neurodiversity, Parenting, News Aamir Khan opens up about son Junaid Khan’s dyslexia Actor shares how Taare Zameen Par hit hard because he had lived it MMS Staff 4 Jun 2025 2-min read Eighteen years after Taare Zameen Par reshaped the national conversation on learning disabilities, Aamir Khan has revealed a personal connection to the film that had, until now, remained unspoken. In a moment of vulnerability at a recent fan event, Aamir Khan, known for his perfectionism and privacy, shared publicly for the first time that his eldest son, actor Junaid Khan, is dyslexic. “I’ve never said this before,” Aamir told a packed audience. “But now I can. Junaid is dyslexic. When I read the script of Taare Zameen Par, it hit me so hard because I had lived it. It was our story.” Released in 2007, Taare Zameen Par broke cinematic ground for its sensitive portrayal of a young boy struggling with dyslexia in a rigid school system. It was one of Indian cinema’s first mainstream attempts to spotlight neurodivergence, not through a lens of pity or inspiration, but with empathy, artistic depth, and psychological realism. At the time, the film was widely lauded for Aamir Khan‘s dual role as director and mentor-figure onscreen. What the public didn’t know then was that off-screen, Aamir was living a similar reality as a father. “I used to scold Junaid,” he admitted. “He would write so badly. I would say, ‘What is this? You can’t even write an A?’ He would confuse words like ‘for,’ ‘from,’ and ‘of.’ I didn’t understand what was happening.” It was only after a formal diagnosis that things began to make sense. “When we found out he had dyslexia, we were able to support him the right way. But that journey... it stayed with me,” Aamir shared. Junaid Khan, now in his early thirties, has made his foray into acting and theatre. In an interview this year, he acknowledged his diagnosis: “I was diagnosed with dyslexia very early on. My parents never pressured me about results. They were mindful of my needs, especially during school.” His remarks point to something many children with learning disabilities don’t get in India: a household that chooses understanding over punishment. From taare to sitaare: A new chapter for disability representation The timing of this revelation is significant. Aamir Khan is currently preparing for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par. But this time, the film doesn‘t focus on a single child’s story; it features 10 disabled actors in lead roles, marking a landmark moment for disability inclusion in Indian mainstream cinema. While Junaid is not part of the cast, the story feels deeply intergenerational. From a father learning to understand his son, to a filmmaker learning to expand the canvas for disability representation, this is truly a cultural pivot. Why this matters now In a country where neurodivergence is still widely misunderstood and learning disabilities are dismissed as laziness, Aamir and Junaid‘s openness signals a shift. It reminds us that neurodiversity is a reality for millions. And when stories are led by lived experience, they entertain, educate, and build empathy. They rewrite how we understand difference, in families, classrooms, and cinema halls. Who are your parenting role models? Tell us in the comments. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS