Stella Young

Stella Young was a passionate Australian disability rights activist, comedian, and journalist who transformed the public conversation around disability and representation. Born in 1982 in Stawell, Victoria with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder causing brittle bones, she used a wheelchair for most of her life. Despite physical challenges, Young embraced her identity unapologetically and became a powerful voice for change in both media and society.

Throughout her life, Young worked to dismantle the idea of "inspiration porn"—a term she coined to describe the objectification of disabled people for the benefit of non-disabled audiences. Her TEDx talk, “I’m Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much,” became a viral hit and encapsulated her mission to promote equality, authenticity, and dignity for people with disabilities. In her career as editor of ABC’s Ramp Up, she provided a platform for disability issues and advocated for policies rooted in justice, not pity.

One of her most memorable quotes is: “Disability doesn’t make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does.” This statement captures her sharp wit and her drive to shift public narratives. Another of her bold assertions was: “I want to live in a world where a 15-year-old girl sitting in her bedroom watching television can see someone like herself in a non-tokenistic way.” Through her work and words, Stella Young left a lasting legacy in challenging perceptions and demanding inclusion.