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Matt Cain's life changed at 50 when he uncovered the cause of years of shame and burnout < Back LGBTQIA+, Neurodiversity, Work I thought being gay made life hard. Turns out autism played a part too Matt Cain's life changed at 50 when he uncovered the cause of years of shame and burnout MMS Staff 13 Jun 2025 4-min read When British writer and broadcaster Matt Cain received an autism and ADHD diagnosis at 50, it felt like the missing piece of a lifelong puzzle finally locked into place. After decades of internal struggle, social confusion, and being misunderstood by peers, bosses, and even himself, Cain could finally name what had always made him feel out of step with the world. For Cain, a working-class gay man growing up in 1980s England, the bullying, shame, and social isolation were relentless. Teachers dismissed him as “overemotional.” Schoolmates mocked his walk, his voice, his love of Madonna. He was called names like “poof” and “pansy”, and subjected to physical violence. Cain assumed these attacks were rooted in homophobia. But with a late autism diagnosis, a more complex truth came into view: what if the world wasn’t only reacting to his queerness, but to his neurodivergence too? At the intersection of queer and neurodivergent Cain’s story is not unique. A growing body of research highlights a strong correlation between queerness and neurodivergence, particularly autism and ADHD. One large-scale study published in Nature Communications (2020) found that autistic people are significantly more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than their allistic peers. Another study in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders showed that autistic people are over eight times more likely to be gender-diverse. But despite these patterns, the world is still alarmingly unprepared to support people who live at the intersection of these identities. Diagnostic criteria, therapy models, school systems, and even Pride events often reflect neurotypical and heteronormative assumptions. Many LGBTQIA+ people report receiving their neurodivergent diagnoses late in life, if at all. The masking that queer people do to “pass” or stay safe can closely resemble the masking that autistic people are forced into to survive neurotypical environments. For those like Cain, the overlap is invisible until it becomes undeniable. Misread and misjudged Cain describes his childhood through a lens familiar to many late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults. He had obsessive interests (Madonna, Star Wars), sensory sensitivities (to sound, touch, and smell), and suffered severe anxiety. He engaged in “stimming” long before he had a word for it, repeating phrases and musicalising dialogue as self-soothing behaviour. But these traits weren’t recognised as part of a neurological profile. Instead, they were chalked up to personality flaws, or worse, weaponised as evidence of his queerness being inherently “too much.” His emotional outbursts were dismissed as “hysterical”, his perfectionism ridiculed as “girly”, and his need for routine ignored in high-pressure media workplaces. In adulthood, Cain coped by drinking, performing queerness in exaggerated ways, and chasing validation. Despite becoming a published author and successful journalist, the cost of masking and constant rejection - from both the publishing industry and his peers - left him burnt out, overwhelmed, and still searching for a language to explain himself. When diagnosis comes too late Cain's autism and ADHD diagnoses came after a family member began their own assessment process. Curious, he researched autism beyond the stereotypes, and saw himself in the nuanced, lived experiences of other autistic adults. He learned about traits like rejection sensitive dysphoria, echolalia, and emotional dysregulation. He saw how alcohol dependency, risky sex, and difficulty with professional boundaries were not just personality quirks, but symptoms of undiagnosed neurodivergence paired with the trauma of growing up queer in a hostile world. His diagnosis brought relief - but also grief. He mourned the years he’d lost to shame, to misunderstanding, to trying to be someone he wasn't. All the times I was criticised for behaviours I didn’t realise were symptomatic of my autism. I feel profound grief for the past. The joy and justice of naming it Cain now actively embraces his neurodivergence. He uses weighted blankets to regulate his nervous system, avoids overwhelming sensory environments, and asks for clear, direct communication at work. He’s also switched agents and stopped attending events that make him mask. Crucially, he no longer tries to hide his joy. He stims freely, sings to himself, speaks about his diagnosis publicly, knowing that being openly autistic will invite both compassion and stigma. But visibility, he insists, matters. Especially now, as conversations around autism risk being co-opted by harmful narratives of “overdiagnosis.” In truth, many queer neurodivergent people - especially women, trans people, and people of colour - go undiagnosed for decades because their traits are ignored, misread, or pathologised through other lenses. What Matt Cain’s story teaches us Cain’s journey shows us the emotional toll of being doubly marginalised. Of growing up in systems where neither his queerness nor his neurodivergence was understood, let alone supported. But it also shows us what becomes possible when people are given the language, tools, and community to understand themselves. In sharing his story, Matt Cain joins a growing movement of neuroqueer individuals reclaiming their narratives. They are pushing for representation that is not just inclusive but affirming. They are challenging the clinical, heteronormative frameworks that fail them. They are telling us: we exist. We’ve always existed. And we’re done being told we’re too much. Source: The Guardian 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

The real tea on how a lot of neurodivergents may show love (and you may never even know) < Back Neurodiversity 5 most relatable neurodivergent love languages explained The real tea on how a lot of neurodivergents may show love (and you may never even know) MMS Staff 31 Jul 2024 5-min read The phrase ‘love language’ became part of everyday lexicon with Dr Gary Chapman’s work. But the phrase is equally relevant to the neurodivergent world as well. And this became especially known when a tweet put out by @neurowonderful on Twitter/ X went quite viral. Neurodivergents - because of being wired differently - have their own unique ways to demonstrate love and affection towards their friends, family and significant others. While a lot of these will seem quite similar to the original love languages - words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch, and gift giving - the neurodivergent version adds its own, well, unique touch to it! To the uninitiated, neurodivergent love languages might go completely unseen and unappreciated, or, worse, come across as weird. Which is one of the reasons why neurodivergent folx are often grossly misunderstood. But first, a quick heads up: it goes unsaid that neurodivergent traits and behaviours - much like neurotypical traits & behaviours - cannot be clubbed together under one umbrella. And so all of these things might not apply to everyone who identifies as neurodivergent. If something on this list doesn't resonate with you, fair enough. Go on and let us know in the comments what your love language is! Infodumping Speaking at length and in detail about a very specific interest or passion. Why neurodivergents do this: Neurodivergent people infodump about a topic that they deeply care about or have been hyperfocusing on to share the feelings of joy it evokes in them. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this, and a lot of neurodivergents have said they think neurotypicals mistake this as bragging or just find it plain boring or weird. What you can do if you’re in a position where a neurodivergent person is infodumping: Recognise that they don’t mean any harm or want to one-up you with their knowledge. Take genuine interest in what they’re saying and show it. And if it’s a bad time, tell them politely you want to know more and will chat to them later about it. Parallel play This is also commonly known as body doubling. In simple terms, it means occupying the same physical - or digital - space while doing your own thing. Why neurodivergents do this: While a lot of us enjoy alone time, sometimes we crave company too. But not necessarily someone to do things with as opposed to someone just being around and doing their thing while we’re doing ours. Having others around you fosters a sense of gentle accountability that draws you into your work and helps you avoid distractions. People with ADHD often struggle with low dopamine levels, impacting their executive functioning, especially when it comes to mundane tasks like cleaning a room or doing the dishes. As a coping strategy, many individuals with ADHD call a friend to keep them company while performing these tasks, a practice known as body doubling. What you can do if a neurodivergent person invites you to parallel play: Recognise that it's not ‘hanging out’ in the sense of sitting around and chatting, although that might happen in between. Rather, if you've always wanted to have some time off to do a thing you like, this is the perfect opportunity to do it while having someone around. Support swapping This one’s similar to acts of service, but in neurodivergent terms, it simply means if someone’s low on spoons, or finds it particularly hard or overwhelming to do something, you help them out with it. This could mean something as simple as going across the road to get your neurodivergent friend a coffee because traffic lights and sounds overwhelm them, or writing an email for someone because they have a hard time figuring out their tone. In return, the neurodivergent person helps you out with something you find difficult and they don’t. Why neurodivergents need support swapping: A lot of things that come naturally to most neurotypicals are things that neurodivergents struggle with and vice versa. Having someone trusted who could help neurodivergents out with these tasks is really helpful. And in return, there’s lots of things neurodivergents are great at that they could help you out with too! How can you support swap with a neurodivergent person: Just ask how they would like to be supported, and do it within your means. In return, don’t be shy to tell them what you need help with either! Tight hugs aka ‘Please crush my soul back into my body’ Before we go on to explain this, remember that consent is the number one most important thing in all matters relating to physical touch. And while a lot of neurodivergent people despise physical touch, many equally love tight, bone-crushing hugs and deep pressure applied to their bodies. There’s just something about deep pressure that is just so relaxing. When to give soul crushing hugs to a neurodivergent friend or a loved one: Only when they ask you to and indicate they’re comfortable and in the right headspace for it. Remember that even the best things given when they’re not expected don’t feel very nice. How can you give a soul crushing hug: I found this cool button/ rock/ leaf and thought you’d love it Again, similar to gift giving, but with a (quirky) neurodivergent spin! Because neurodivergents have deep special interests, their gifts - or things they find cool and interesting - might seem awkward to neurotypicals. So the next time you get a parcel with something totally unexpected, like an antique stamp from the 1940s, don’t freak out - it might just be your neurodivergent friend trying to show their affection for you! Why this is a love language: Because, as stated above, a lot of neurodivergents have specific - sometimes niche - interests and passions. A lot of neurodivergents might also have social difficulties, so figuring out what someone else may like might be difficult. And the safest option when giving gifts, sometimes, is simply to give someone you love, something you love! Though asking what one likes always helps. So, if you don’t like it, communicate honestly and kindly to them. How can you gift something back to an ND: Great idea! Who doesn’t love gifts?! But hang on... a lot of NDs aren't particularly kicked about receiving surprises. So if you’re thinking of gifting your ND loved one something you’re dead sure they’ll appreciate, you might want to go ahead and ask/ check with them anyway. Just to be on the safer side. So now that you know, go on and tell us what your love languages are! Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The global autistic community shares the good and bad sides of autism disclosure < Back Neurodiversity, Community If you’re thinking of disclosing your autism, read this first The global autistic community shares the good and bad sides of autism disclosure MMS Staff 5 Jul 2024 5-min read An autism disclosure can be freeing. But, undoubtedly, it's also often a delicate and challenging process for many autistic individuals. Despite increasing awareness and understanding of autism, the responses that autistic people receive when they share their diagnosis can range from dismissive and ignorant to outright ableist. Our recent #MuchMuchSays session - where we ask our community questions related to topics that pertain to our everyday lives - with the autistic community highlighted the varied and often painful reactions that autistic individuals face when they disclose their autism. Common responses to Autism disclosure One of the most common and frustrating responses reported was a dismissive or reaction of disbelief. Many people shared experiences of being told they don't “look” autistic or that there's no way they could be autistic: You look normal - @1232343_ You don't look autistic to me is usually the first thing I get. - @yagamilight3000 These comments reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of autism, reducing it to a set of visible traits. Silence and dismissal Equally hurtful is the silence or abrupt change in subject that some individuals face after disclosing their autism: Nothing. Silence. No questions. Nothing said. Maybe some generic normative statements. Changing the subject. That’s the saddest. Then autie brain can’t even understand if the other person is interested in knowing more or being more supportive or is it that typical way of going quiet to dismiss something out of the conversation (this way is of course taken from that super cryptic rules and regulations book of neuronormativity which no neurodivergent has been able to fully decipher yet). - @adwaita.das Silence from the two friends closest to me. It broke my heart 😔 - @sara.untangled Usually something dismissive like, ‘only a little though right (assuming spectrum is a left to right-low to high)’ and then, ‘oh we all struggle with those things’… - @cotey72 This lack of engagement can be deeply isolating, leaving autistic individuals feeling unsupported and marginalised. Ignorant and hurtful questions Some responses are more overtly offensive or ignorant, questioning the legitimacy of the diagnosis or making inappropriate assumptions. Worst response: who assessed you? There’s no way you are autistic. - @carotomes I get a “Oh! I’m sorry!” Or “Sooo, self diagnosed huh?” - @twistedlavenderbud I’ve gotten questions like “you must be really high functioning then, right?” Because they can’t believe I have a job and am able to socialize with them. - @livloudesu A judge told me I seemed cognitive. Yeah thanks judge it's called masking. - @catehernandez88 “I think we are all a bit autistic aren't we?” - @willowthewisp1 These reactions not only invalidate the individual's experience but also undermine their credibility and self-awareness. Ableist microaggressions Ableism often manifests in the form of microaggressions — subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviours. Some community members shared their experiences with these types of responses: "Are you actually diagnosed?" But most of the time people don't ASK anything, they TELL. "You're really high functioning then", "you don't seem autistic", "don't let it define you!", "you just want an excuse", "but you can (insert stereotype here)"... - @autistic.since.forever “BUT you never struggled with that as a kid.” “buT you got all As in school” “why are you suddenly struggling with all this stuff NOW?” - @_beansproot These comments not only diminish the reality of living with autism but also perpetuate stereotypes about the “spectrum” being a linear scale. Positive and supportive reactions But all's not lost. While negative responses are unfortunately common, there are also examples of understanding and supportive reactions. I instantly disclose once I realize I will talk with them for more than about 10 minutes. It’s a casual disclosure and I decide how long the conversation will go once I see their reaction. My favorite reaction to date: “…. You are? Wow…. We are so much alike. I’ve been really thinking I might be too… can you tell me how you sought your diagnosis and how you deal with everything being too much?” - @neurodivvyd 'please let me know if you need any accommodations or things I can do to be supportive' - @laurart_uk “cool/good to know! Thanks for sharing that with me! Optional: I know every autistic person is different, so Is there anything you want me to know about your specific needs?” - @_beansproot These supportive responses show empathy and a willingness to learn. Filtering out ableism When it comes to disclosing autism, negative reactions can be disheartening. However, it helps to filter out those who are not supportive or understanding. This process can help autistic individuals cultivate a smaller, more supportive social circle, free from ableism and negativity. Negative or dismissive reactions serve as indicators of relationships that may not be worth maintaining. People who respond with disbelief, silence, or hurtful comments reveal their inability to be supportive allies. By recognising and distancing themselves from these individuals, autistic people can protect their mental and emotional well-being. Identifying the true allies Disclosing autism can act as a litmus test for the relationships in one's life. Those who respond with empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to understand are the true allies. They demonstrate their acceptance and support through their words and actions, making it clear that they value and respect the autistic individual's identity. I take the “tell every stranger within 10 seconds of meeting” and then the folk who don't like it never talk to me again. It's a win-win for me. I'm very vocal about ppl being rude to me so if there's rudeness pointed at me I call it out. Usually I disclose in response to them disclosing something. If they get rude at me about autism I get rude about their disclosure. 😂on a more serious note: my job is focused on hiring folk with disabilities, mental or physical, so I'm unmasked there. I'm unmasked in my social circle, and I live with other ND ppl. I honestly haven't gotten a ride response in several years. Not since I moved out of the American Midwest tbh. - @thegriffinnews The importance of kindness and acceptance Autism disclosure can be a slippery slope, often leading to overt bullying, discrimination, or social isolation. The responses shared by our community highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, education, and kindness. By cultivating an environment of acceptance and understanding, we can help autistic individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Moving forward It is crucial for society to move beyond stereotypes and misconceptions about autism. Simple acts of empathy and understanding can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic individuals, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all. Here's the original post - Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Thomas Dambo has built over 150 trolls using garbage to remind us what’s worth protecting < Back Climate, News This artist’s recycled trash sculptures help people reconnect with nature Thomas Dambo has built over 150 trolls using garbage to remind us what’s worth protecting MMS Staff 22 Apr 2025 3-min read In a world overwhelmed by waste and increasingly detached from the natural world, a tribe of towering wooden trolls is quietly reshaping how people think about trash and the planet. Their creator is a Danish artist with a deep love for stories, recycling, and the magic of the forest. Thomas Dambo, a self-described “garbage artist,” has built over 150 troll sculptures across the globe, from Puerto Rico’s coastlines to South Korea’s forests. His work blends sustainability, folklore, and public art into a striking new genre of environmental storytelling. As climate anxiety rises and natural spaces disappear, Dambo’s whimsical creatures are doing something few public campaigns have managed: pulling humans away from their screens and back into the wild. Building giants from what the world throws away Each troll is made almost entirely from reclaimed materials that include shipping pallets, fallen branches, construction debris, and lumber yard scraps. These aren’t modest pieces; Dambo’s trolls are colossal: many stretch over 30 feet tall, with arms the length of trucks and feet the size of bathtubs. And yet, despite their scale, they carry a quiet intimacy. They blend into the trees. They crouch behind bushes. They invite people to look up, to explore, to wonder. “It’s an advertising campaign for trash,” Dambo once said. “If people thought recycling was cool, we’d be less wasteful.” His most recent installation in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota features five trolls built in collaboration with the local nonprofit Project 412. The group commissioned the project to not only boost tourism but also spark a deeper sense of environmental connection within the community. Already, the “troll effect” — a term coined to describe the dramatic uptick in footfall wherever Dambo’s trolls appear — is in motion. In Coastal Maine, where five of Dambo’s trolls arrived at the botanical gardens in 2021, annual visitors jumped from 100,000 to over 340,000. The increase in visitors directly enabled the gardens to invest more heavily in local conservation efforts, particularly in protecting native trees. “We were hardly doing any of that before the trolls arrived,” said Gretchen Ostherr, CEO of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. A global movement rooted in local magic Each troll is part sculpture, part story. Dambo writes fairy tales for each of his creations, giving them names like Ronny Funny Face or Barefoot Frida, and often weaving them into local histories, landscapes, and myths. In Puerto Rico, one of his earliest trolls — Hector the Protector — stood guard by the sea until Hurricane Maria tore him down. In 2019, Dambo returned to rebuild Hector, this time with a lantern in his hand to guide boats in a storm. But not all trolls have lived happily ever after. In Breckenridge, Colorado, a troll named Isak Heartstone had to be removed after overwhelming crowds and parking troubles strained the local infrastructure. Isak was later rebuilt on a more accessible trail, a reminder that even the most well-meaning public art must navigate the complicated relationship between access, preservation, and scale. And that, in many ways, is what Dambo’s trolls are about: complexity. They are gentle giants, yes, but they’re also quiet provocateurs, challenging our consumption patterns, our ideas about art, and our role in nature. Why this matters on Earth Day — and every day The global climate crisis isn’t just about emissions or melting ice caps. It’s also about disconnection. People cannot protect what they don’t love, and they can’t love what they no longer see or understand. In a time of digital overload and environmental detachment, Dambo’s trolls function like mythological messengers, bringing play, purpose, and pause back into the landscape. They offer a simple but urgent message: trash isn’t worthless. Nature isn’t optional. And wonder may be one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight for the planet. As the world marks another Earth Day, Dambo’s work is a poignant reminder that sustainability isn’t always about sacrifice. Sometimes, it’s about imagination. And sometimes, the path back to nature begins not with facts or fear, but with a troll. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Backlash against Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Raina for insensitive ‘Tauba Tauba’ rendition < Back Disability, News, Media Ex-cricketers criticised for ableist video mocking disabled people Backlash against Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Raina for insensitive ‘Tauba Tauba’ rendition MMS Staff 16 Jul 2024 3-min read Former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina are facing backlash from disability rights groups for a video they recently featured in and shared on Instagram. In the video, the trio is seen trying to recreate actor Vicky Kaushal's viral dance step from the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ but with an ableist twist - they are walking with a limp instead of performing the step. The video was posted after the India Champions defeated the Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends final on July 13. In the video, the three cricketers are seen limping and holding their backs, apparently to depict the physical toll the matches took on their bodies. The caption read: “Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket.. Every part of the body is sore. Straight competition to our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG.” While it is reasonable that the former cricketers’ bodies were sore from the matches, starring in and putting up a video such as this one is derogatory, ableist, and downright offensive. The ex-cricketers’ actions show a lack of sensitivity and awareness about the experiences of people with disabilities, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. As public figures and role models, they have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact their actions can have on their fans and society at large. Disability rights activists were quick to criticise the video as insensitive and derogatory. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) called it “totally disgraceful.” “No words are sufficient enough to condemn such behaviour especially when displayed by people considered national heroes. Such degrading actions only expose their total insensitivity and boorishness,” the NPRD said in a post on X. Aditi Gangrade, CCO of Much Much Spectrum, a Mumbai-based inclusive media company, said in a reel on their Instagram: “Dear Cricketers, you are the champions the masses look up to. You should be advocating for people with disabilities instead of mocking us.” Arman Ali, executive director of the non-profit National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take note of the video. “Disgusting to see India’s top cricketers mocking disability. Shameful and atrocious behaviour from those who are idolised by masses. Shame on them. I urge BCCI to take immediate note of this,” Ali stated. Disability rights activist Dr Satendra Singh emphasised the responsibility of these cricketers as role models and highlighted the need for empathy, especially from Yuvraj Singh, who has battled cancer. “So many people are following them and they will follow these actions, so there needs to be sensitivity. They have no remorse and are making fun of people with disabilities,” Singh told PTI. A police complaint has been filed against Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Mann, accusing them of mocking people with disabilities. A police officer confirmed that the complaint was received and will be forwarded to the cyber cell for further investigation. Amidst the outrage, Harbhajan Singh issued an apology through his official X account, acknowledging the insensitivity. Sadly, the apology nowhere acknowledges the ableism perpetuated by the cricketers. This issue is not just a moral concern but also a legal imperative. It infringes upon Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every individual’s right to live with dignity. It also violates Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Not to mention it goes against the guidelines established by the Supreme Court just last week for disability portrayals in visual media. “(Creative freedom)... cannot include the freedom to lampoon, stereotype, misrepresent or disparage those already marginalised,” the Supreme Court noted. For those who are wondering what's wrong with the video or why people might be taking offence to this, the video mocks the physical struggles and movements that many people with disabilities experience daily. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and diminishes the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. And it’s doubly harmful when influential public figures engage in such mockery because it normalises disrespect and insensitivity towards people with disabilities, and encourages the public to engage in such behaviour. This incident shows that there’s a critical need for sensitivity and respect towards individuals with disabilities, particularly from public figures and role models. It also underscores the necessity for social media platforms to enforce guidelines that prevent the dissemination of derogatory content. 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

Trans youth representation: what this means for the industry < Back LGBTQIA+, Media, News Disney pulls transgender storyline from Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ Trans youth representation: what this means for the industry MMS Staff 19 Dec 2024 3-min read Disney has sparked significant backlash after deciding to remove a transgender storyline from Pixar’s much-anticipated animated series Win or Lose, set to debut on Disney+ in February 2025. The series, centered on a middle school softball team named the Pickles, tells the stories of its players, parents, coaches, and umpires in the lead-up to their championship game. However, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that a planned transgender character arc has been removed from one of the episodes. The transgender storyline’s removal particularly affected Chanel Stewart, the actress who voices the character. Stewart, now 18, was 14 when she landed the role after responding to Pixar’s casting call for an authentic transgender actress. For Stewart, this was not just another gig but a deeply personal opportunity to bring visibility to transgender teens. “I was exactly what they wanted to a T, and that’s why it felt so right,” Stewart said, recounting how excited she was to authentically portray a transgender teenage girl. “The thought of authentically portraying a transgender teenage girl made me really happy. I wanted to make this for transgender kids like me.” Disney confirmed the decision, saying, “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.” While the character remains in the show, all references to gender identity were removed, reducing the character to a cisgender girl. Stewart said she was told by Disney that her character would still feature heavily but without any transgender identity. “It’s just that my character would now be a cis girl, a straight cis girl,” Stewart shared. Keisha Stewart, Chanel’s mother, expressed her disappointment, saying, “It was upsetting because my daughter is transgender, and this is her life. Everyone deserves to be recognized. And it felt like just another setback for the LGBTQ community.” She highlighted the importance of representation for transgender youth navigating their identities in a world where visibility and understanding remain scarce. This isn’t the first time Disney has faced criticism over LGBTQ+ representation. In recent years, the company has been scrutinized for its handling of queer storylines in animated projects. From the same-gender kiss in Lightyear to controversy surrounding Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, LGBTQ+ content in Disney productions has often faced backlash and revisions, particularly when aimed at younger audiences. Despite these challenges, Disney has featured queer narratives in its more adult-focused offerings, including Pose, Fire Island, and Next Goal Wins. However, the removal of the transgender storyline from Win or Lose underscores the studio’s struggle to balance inclusivity with perceived audience sensitivities. Despite the setback, Stewart remains proud of her groundbreaking role, calling it “an honor” to be part of queer history. “Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard,” she said, vowing to continue advocating for visibility and representation. Disney’s decision has reignited debates about LGBTQ+ erasure in mainstream media. As gender identity remains a divisive topic, particularly in the U.S., this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities striving for authentic representation. Win or Lose will premiere on February 19, 2025, featuring Will Forte as the voice of Coach Dan. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Seeing their children struggle with loneliness, Gopika Kapoor & Moneisha Gandhi launched Buddy Up < Back Disability, Neurodiversity, Parenting These moms have built a friendship app for disabled people & their caregivers Seeing their children struggle with loneliness, Gopika Kapoor & Moneisha Gandhi launched Buddy Up Swara Swami 15 Oct 2024 12-min read Loneliness and social isolation are common yet often overlooked struggles for people with disabilities and their caregivers. The lack of accessible opportunities for forming friendships leaves many in the disability community feeling disconnected. This isolation can have a profound impact on emotional well-being, making the need for supportive, inclusive spaces even more critical. At Much Much Spectrum, we set out to explore this pressing issue by speaking with the co-founders of Buddy Up, an innovative app designed to bridge this gap. In an exclusive interview, Gopika Kapoor and Moneisha Gandhi, both mothers to young people with disabilities, share how their personal experiences of loneliness inspired them to create an app that promises to connect people with disabilities and their caregivers, offering them a platform to find meaningful friendships and support networks. Swara: Can you both please introduce yourself? Gopika (she/ her): My name is Gopika Kapoor. I am a neurodiversity consultant and an author. I'm also a counsellor and one of the co-founders of Buddy Up along with Moneisha. Moneisha (she/ her): I'm Moneisha, the second co-founder of Buddy Up. For many years I ran and managed an embroidery export company but that closed during the Covid lockdown. I'm also mom to a 19-year-old called Mihaan who has Down Syndrome. I volunteer at the Ummeed Parent Resource Centre and was involved at my son's school helping in the inclusion space there. Swara: What inspired you both to create the Buddy Up app and how did your personal experiences as mothers of children with disabilities influence this? Moneisha: So my son is one of those very social characters, and he was at a school and I was kind of getting a little worried when he was getting into his teenage years about long-term friendships because I felt like the other kids in the school were all going to go off in different directions. So I actively started looking for friends for him. I didn't want it to come to a point where he would suddenly be alone but I was finding it hard to find friends that he could relate to and I wished there was an app like this. Luckily for us, we met through a common friend - Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy - who founded Ummeed Child Development Center. She said, “Hey, you know, why don't you try meeting?” The two boys (Vir and Mihaan) met and it was like magic. They just got on really well. We got them together and it was really fantastic and they've known each other now for about three years. We realised that having this sort of connection is very, very powerful. We kind of also thought how amazing it would be for other people to have some way of reaching out to others in the community to make those connections, and that was the genesis of the Buddy Up idea. Gopika: So for my part, you know, Vir - my son - being on the spectrum, I really struggled to find friends for him, friends who would be like him, friends who could do the same things that he could do and whom he could relate with. I remember I was told when I used to go for therapy at Ummeed, to do planned playdates and I used to hate those because it would stress me out so much because if it was a neurotypical child they would end up playing with Vir's twin sister Gayatri, who is neurotypical, and Vir would be in one corner playing on his own. If it was an autistic kid or someone within the disability community, then I would be dealing with two kids doing this very kind of thing. So I just gave up on these playdates and I just figured, okay, you know, we'll figure it out as it goes on. But as he got older, we would try to compensate for his lack of friends, but as parents, you're no compensation for a teenage boy. He'd rather be out with his friends than hanging out with his parents. And so I was very stressed that in two years, my daughter would be leaving for college and what would he do because she's his twin sister and they've been together from the womb. Enter Mihaan, and Vir and him just chilled. And the amazing thing is that I think Moneisha had been looking for friends for Mihaan in the Down Syndrome community. I had been looking for friends for Vir in the autism community. Moneisha: And we realised after they met, one, that it was hugely life-changing and two, that having a friend is therapeutic. Gopika: Moneisha introduced me to this bootcamp that both the boys are part of. They've got a whole bunch of friends there. And then I told her Vir is going to join something called Skill Shakti. So she said, I'm going to apply for Mihaan. And then things rolled from there. Moneisha: I think no place existed where you could meet. You have to be lucky to find someone within your circle. I think the idea of this app was really to open up that whole circle of possibility. You could now potentially have a whole, much wider circle to choose a friend from. You're not going to be friends with the first person you meet. Gopika: And you're not going to want to hang out with that same person all the time. You want to have a variety of people in your life. Moneisha: I'm always looking at the app, like who's their age, who kind of shares similar interests to them that we can sort of reach out to via the app. There's a loneliness epidemic out there. There are so many people that are just alone, sad, because they don't have that connection. And I think this is like a mode of trying to find those people that could potentially be those important people in your life. Swara: From your perspective, what's the biggest social challenge faced by people with disabilities and their caregivers in India? And how does Buddy Up aim to address these issues? Moneisha: With people with disabilities in lots of different families, I think the stigma they face, other people don't want to hang out with their kids. Parents with Down Syndrome come and tell us that they really feel isolated, the kids and the parents. So here is a possibility to reach out to people that share your experience and know exactly what you've been through and therefore are much more likely to form a deep connection with you because of a shared experience. Gopika: I'll talk from the perspective of autism. What happens is, parents, when they have an autistic child, they don't know how this child is going to behave. So they cut themselves off. They don't go to birthday parties. They don't go to weddings. They don't go to the mall. They don't go to the beach. They don't go to family dinners and hang out, hang out with their friends. Very few do. If they find a caretaker, they will leave the child with them, but otherwise invariably it will be one parent going and the other one sitting at home, usually the mom sitting at home with the child. And it becomes very difficult. There's nobody to understand how you feel because even though you may be very close to your parents, your siblings, your friends, that exact experience that you're going through is not going to be understood by anybody because they are not living your life as a caregiver. For a person with a disability, same thing. They are not living your life. So what the app does is it really attempts to bring together not only people with disabilities, but also caregivers. And so you will be connected with another caregiver. Now, whether your child may be two, that person's child may be 20. It doesn't matter, but you can connect with the other caregiver, talk to them, talk about experiences that you've shared. You can talk about resources or just whatever you want to do. You can create that friendship based on a shared experience. So the app gives you that option as well. Moneisha: You can read a profile. If someone you feel like they might be somebody that you connect with, you can send them a friend request, you can talk about whatever you need to talk to them about. So I think it just opens up possibilities, different people that you may not have met in your immediate circles. I think that was really the idea. Gopika: If you are, say, limited by a mobility condition, you can't get out of the house, or if you just don't want to be around people, but at the same time you want some sort of connection, where do you go that is a safe space? You may not be able to find those if you're older, you may not be able to find those connections on Tinder or Hinge or something like that. There is always that safety aspect. If your child is younger, Facebook, Instagram may not be the right kind of place. And so really, where do you go? So this gives you the option of also having an online friendship. You can look for online friends only, in which case only those people will show up and you can chat with them on the app. We offer a one-minute free video call, which is to ascertain the identity of the person who you're chatting with to make sure they are who they say they are. And you can keep chatting with them on the app without revealing your WhatsApp number, phone number, address. So you can stay on the app and keep chatting with them, and just take it from there. Swara: Can you walk us through some of the key features of Buddy Up? How does the app specifically cater to the needs of both individuals with disabilities and their caregivers? Moneisha: One of the things that we've worked on is accessibility. We did a lot of testing with the visually impaired community. We also tested it with people who had other disabilities. We got their feedback and some of the things that they talked about were incorporated. We have a block feature. We thought that was really important to someone that is bothering you. Those sorts of focus groups kind of helped us to tailor the app to listen to what people are asking for. Gopika: You can basically search for friends on the basis of any kind of criteria. Age, gender, LGBTQIA+ identity, distance, etc. And we've spoken to lots of people in the disability community and introduced interests that they might have. For example, we were told that anime is a huge interest. So we included that. Somebody wrote to us and said please include writing. So we included that. Languages are another area of interest for a lot of people, especially on the autism spectrum. And then based on disability. If you don’t want to disclose your disability, you can leave it blank. Moneisha: I think that feature is very useful for parents and caregivers because if they're feeling like they need to connect with someone with a specific condition - like a rare genetic disorder - you can use that criteria to locate other parents who've been through a similar experience. Gopika: You can chat with the person, you can send them pictures, like a regular chat. Moneisha: And there’s also the option to keep details about yourself private, like your address, phone number, etc. Gopika: Also, your username doesn't have to reflect your name. Your photograph doesn't have to be uploaded. Swara: For parents receiving a new diagnosis for their child, peer support is crucial. How does the app help new parents find guidance, support and community? Gopika: Parents can reach out to other caregivers. They can find other caregivers, like themselves, they can connect with. If they want people from their locality, they can connect with them. If they want to talk to them online, they can connect with them there. Moneisha: We also have a list of resources, which we'll be constantly updating on the first page. Gopika: When you ask any parent of a child with a disability what they want for their child, they’ll say a solid friend. Other moms have seen the friendship Vir and Mihaan share, and the fact that as their moms we have created this app, they say they feel very happy when they see this. Moneisha: When we were looking at this space, we just felt like there are so many great organisations out there for therapy, good medical facilities, etc. But the one place in the disability space that seemed to be missing was the social one. And I think this app will make some progress towards helping resolve some of those issues. The biggest issue is like (these children) are just isolated. As a parent or a person with disability, to have that small group of people or that person who can actually be your go-to person, not somebody who does it out of a sense of charity. I remember when we got our diagnosis for Mihaan, Down Syndrome, it was just so stressful. But that whole cloud lifted the moment I met an older mom who had a son with Down syndrome. I met the family, I saw they were okay. And I heaved a sigh of relief, because I said, okay, they're fine. I'm going to be fine. And I'm hoping that's another sort of thing that comes out of these connections on the app. Swara: What are some of the most significant challenges you faced while developing and launching Buddy Up, especially when trying to meet the unique needs of your target audience? Gopika: We are not tech people. And the app is tech. So just understanding, learning, figuring out what platform to use, how to do it. I mean, the challenges continue. Moneisha: Right now, we bootstrapped this whole project. But there are things we need to think about. First we thought we’ll start with a really simple app. Then we said, it doesn't look great. It has to be an app, it has to have all the features, so we added features. We kept adding and at every stage I would say one thing, we've been very lucky, we also just had people that have put up their hand, come forward, helped us, people who've done stuff at cost, people who've done stuff pro bono. Gopika: And not necessarily people connected with disability. The design was created by somebody in Bangalore who works on app design and was on Moneisha's husband's school group. My nephew and one of his friends helped us with the hosting. So we really had help from a lot of people, and I just had to call Aditi and say listen we're doing this and she said we're doing an interview and I know the kind of reach Much Much Spectrum has. So I think that has really been quite wonderful. Swara: What is your long-term vision for Buddy Up? Moneisha: To increase the number of users is the first thing. We just want to have lots of people on it, and lots more choices. Gopika: We have also had people reaching out to us and saying please bring it to our country, somebody from Dubai, somebody from Singapore, somebody from London, from Canada saying why don't you start Buddy Up Canada? Let's just do India first then we'll think about going to Canada! Moneisha: We have to just take it one step at a time where each step is difficult so once we get over the first hurdle then we start thinking about the next one. Swara: I just want to add that what you both are doing with this app it's really great, because we have not had something like that. Especially as a child when I had no friends, I think the children nowadays will have some support now through this app. Gopika: Thank you, fingers crossed. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

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