I have very exciting news: my new website unshamepain.com has launched! I have new content and resources in the works that I would love to share with you.
I will be closing my blog here soon and I hope to stay in touch. It would mean a lot to me if you will please check out my new unshamepain.com site and subscribe to my newsletter.
I’m thrilled to present the first clip of the Unshame Pain Video Project:
[Click “watch on youtube.com” for transcript]
For me, this clip represents the soul of the Unshame Pain Project: imperfect, honest and heartfelt. This is the first clip to be publicly released and I am super excited to share it with you!
A couple years ago I went to a queer hangout here in Sonoma County. Not far into the evening the conversation turned to a bar down the way that advertised “midget wrestling.” One of the hangout organizers was simultaneously saying how awful it was and encouraging everyone to go.
I was beside myself. I attempted to explain how offensive this was from a disability perspective in which there is a long history of both marginalizing and exploiting disabled people as a spectacle for mass entertainment. (I later contacted the bar to say so directly!) Continue reading →
I’ve been putting off writing a blog post because it feels like work amidst what is already a lot of deep thinking, researching, and writing about pain stigma and social justice. As one “to-do” list morphs into another, I have been transferring the task of writing a post to each new list while trusting that the right time and content would make itself clear. Then, tonight I received the tarot card of “play” in a prominent position, as it has been showing up every time I engage with tarot recently.
Hmm, I wonder if the universe is telling me something?
Yellow lab-retriever Buffy, L, with head against M’s head, R. M is smiling w/teeth showing, has red hair and fair skin.
As the air begins to crisp with hints of fall approaching (my favorite season) I’ve been shifting back into school mode after being on Summer hiatus. I’ve been diligently working on my book and I’m pleased (and in ongoing awe) with how its purpose/essence continues to emerge and solidify. I have also enjoyed sweet opportunities to be with dear friends and and spend delicious time outside: definite highlights of an otherwise quiet summer!
M on L in purple hat and sweatshirt standing on sandy beach w/ocean in background. Buffy on R, yellow lab sitting & smiling.
M on L sitting, wearing t-shirt “Save the humans” w/arm around Zac (my bro!) on Right in grey SF Giants logo shirt.
Close-up of dear friend Alice on L in light straw hat and blue tank-top w/arm around M on R w/short red hair and purple frame sunglasses.
Pavini on L in black shirt w/radiating heart image and dark jeans, M in middle in blue striped jumper and curly red hair w/arm around Pavini, Ari on L in black v-neck and red pants. All standing w/Buffy in foreground sitting w/work vest on.
M on hardwood floor w/big red hair and blue/white striped jumper, w/Buffy snuggled on floor, head resting on M’s shoulder. Wearing blue/yellow work vest.
These last few months have also been a valuable time of reflection as I’ve been thinking a lot about loneliness, which has been one of the most prevalent and chronic experiences of pain in my life since I was very young. At times the loneliness is nothing more than a whisper in the background, while in other instances it is an acute, deep feeling of despair and longing for connection, accompanied by grief over the yearning for what feels absent, unavailable or unobtainable (intimacy, fellowship, presence). Continue reading →
Ready for Passover Seder! Selfie of Ma’ayan w/short red hair sticking up, gold hoop earrings, purple/grey shirt and brown tie with a gear design on it.
Spring is typically a time of bumpy transition for me in going from the cold and wet to new growth (and lots of pollen, oy!). I often feel like a plant, coming out of dormancy and agitating for the light so that I may reach my full growth potential before my leaves fall off again…sound familiar?
Needless to say, after an extremely rainy winter and early spring, I am relishing the sunshine and beautiful weather here!
The Unshame Pain Video Project is on pause for the moment while I wait to find out if any of my grant proposals will be funded. Huge gratitude to everyone who has shown their support in so many ways!
Below is “Blogging for Change”, a paper I wrote for school about my blog and the impact that web-based forums are having for people with chronic pain and illness conditions. It ended up being very interesting and inspiring to write.
My parting words: Take heart! Every day I read reports on developments that have the potential to help people with chronic pain and illness and, while the world feels ever tenuous, I am encouraged by progress that is being made bit by bit. I thank all of you for being a part of it.
Love,
Ma’ayan
P.S. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you have comments, questions or to say “hi.” It’s great to hear from you. Continue reading →
Your support is invaluable, whether you donate or not. Knowing that amazing people like you are rooting for my success makes me feel seen, loved and keeps the momentum of my spirit stoked.Thank you.
We are halfway to summer and it feels fitting that I was born right as we enter this in-between space. I am thankful that you are in my life to share it with.
On Sunday, February 3rd I turn 33 years old and I have a special request: will you make a donation of $33 (or whatever amount feels good to you) to support my Pain Activism & Education mission?
Increasing understanding for people in pain is my passion and your contribution—whether $99, $33, $11, $3, or whatever your heart tells you—will help sustain and nourish me in the process.
I’m excited to announce that the amazing media advocacy organization, Media Alliance, is officially Unshame Pain’s fiscal sponsor! You can now make a tax-deductible contribution to Unshame Pain:
My grassroots goal for 2019 is $2,333 and, however you choose to contribute, your gift will be tremendously appreciated. As you probably know, I’m excellent at stretching a small budget and my commitment to you is to make the most of every cent you give.
I know that I’ve said it before, but I want to thank you again for all of your support in getting me this far, regardless of whether you are able to contribute financially. I have been hard at work writing grants but funding is limited and your grassroots solidarity helps tremendously. I have a lot planned for this year to continue maximizing my impact and having you to share the fruits of my labor with always makes my work so much more meaningful. I’m truly blessed to have you in my life.
Please forward this email to friends and colleagues you think will be interested.
Thanks for your consideration and for all of the ways you have already helped, even if you don’t know it. I’m enthusiastic to share my next trip around the sun with you!
Love,
Ma’ayan
P.S. Thanks again for taking the time to share your love and support with me!
Special thanks to all of you who have made 2018 especially sweet.
Here are some photos of a few particularly awesome friends who are all addressing pain by making the world more comfortable, understanding and creative. Check out their links for guaranteed amazingness!
L: Ma’ayan wearing sunglasses & smiling; R: Andy in sunglasses and baseball cap. Water in background. M has redhair and fair skin. A has brown skin and goatee.
L: Ma’ayan wearing sunglasses & smiling; R: Andy in sunglasses and baseball cap. Water in background. M has redhair and fair skin. A has brown skin and goatee.
L: Ma’ayan has fair skin and wearing in red western plaid shirt and purple jacket; R: Star in baseball cap and has light brown skin.
L: Llano has light brown skin and is wearing ascot. Ma’ayan wearing striped scarf. Star has light brown skin and is wearing bowler hat and grey sweater w/red hearts.
L: Freddie has fair skin, lip ring and is wearing widebrim black hat; R: Ma’ayan has fair skin, smiling and in pink raincoat w/hood over head. Rainbow in backfround!
L: Buffy tan head/muzzle w/brown nose; Ma’ayan has fair skin, pursing lips, and fluffy redhair sticking up
I have an extremely special announcement of a new addition to my family: my service dog Buffy Baruch Simon!
I have been awaiting a service dog through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) since 2016 and, in late October, I was invited to team training to make my dream a reality. After a two week residential training at CCI headquarters in Santa Rosa, Buffy and I graduated on November 9, 2018 and we are a fully credentialed service dog team.
Hi Friends,
Welcome 