I've lost count of the number of times that I've been approached by strangers wanting to tell me that they think I'm brave or inspirational, and this was long before my work had any kind of public profile.

The quote, "I've lost count of the number of times that I've been approached by strangers wanting to tell me that they think I'm brave or inspirational, and this was long before my work had any kind of public profile," by Stella Young, reflects on the way society often perceives individuals with disabilities. Young highlights how people often labeled her as brave or inspirational, not because of her professional achievements, but because of her disability and the way she lived her life. This observation points to the tendency to place individuals with disabilities on a pedestal for simply existing and living day-to-day, which she felt was an oversimplified and sometimes patronizing view.

In this context, Young is questioning the assumptions people make about the inspirational qualities of individuals with disabilities. She notes that this perception of her being brave was not based on her work or public profile, but rather on the fact that she was living life with a disability, a situation she felt should not automatically be viewed as inspirational. Her statement sheds light on the need for society to move beyond such stereotypes and recognize people for their true merits rather than simply labeling them based on their circumstances.

The origin of this quote stems from Young’s own experiences as a disability advocate, comedian, and writer. Known for her candid and witty perspective on disability, Young was an outspoken critic of how society tends to romanticize the lives of people with disabilities. Through her work, she encouraged a more nuanced view of disability, one that did not simply focus on inspiration but acknowledged agency and individuality.

In essence, Young’s quote challenges the perception that people with disabilities should be automatically viewed as inspirational or brave for simply living their lives. It calls for a more authentic understanding of people with disabilities, recognizing their humanity beyond their challenges. Young’s work sought to encourage society to move past tokenizing individuals with disabilities and instead appreciate them for who they truly are, not just as symbols of courage.