Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking 'equal' means 'the same' and that we achieve equality by treating everyone identically.

In this quote, Stella Young challenges the common misconception that equality is about sameness—that treating everyone in exactly the same way leads to fairness or justice. She points out that equal does not necessarily mean identical and that achieving true equality requires understanding and addressing the different needs, challenges, and contexts of individuals. Equality is not about treating everyone the same, but about ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities and rights, regardless of their differences.

Young’s statement also critiques the idea of "one-size-fits-all" solutions to social justice, where policies or actions are applied uniformly without considering how they might affect different groups in unequal ways. She emphasizes that in order to achieve equality, society must account for and respect individual differences, such as disability, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. This view calls for a more nuanced understanding of fairness that goes beyond superficial equal treatment to one that fosters real access to opportunities.

The quote reflects Young's own experiences as a disability advocate, as she often discussed how society's treatment of people with disabilities is based on the flawed assumption that they should be treated the same as everyone else, even when their needs are fundamentally different. She argued that disability rights should focus on accessibility and inclusion, not just on forcing people with disabilities to conform to standards that do not consider their unique circumstances.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Young’s work as a journalist, comedian, and disability activist, where she frequently spoke out about the social barriers faced by people with disabilities. Through her writing and public speaking, Young advocated for a broader, more inclusive definition of equality—one that recognizes the importance of context and individual needs in achieving a just society. This quote encapsulates her belief that equality should be about empowerment and inclusivity, not about treating everyone the same regardless of their lived experiences.