Recently I was at my queer pagan camp, where I have been going for years. As usual there were also djembés and some of us started playing the drums. Usually that doesn't bother me, but one of the drums had a high pitch that hurts my ears. So I took some distance, and one of my friends asked if that has to do with my autism. Autism?! Which autism??

On a cold Saturday in January I drive back home after a pleasant evening with friends. I drive that route more often and I know the way like the back of my hand. In any case, the road mainly goes straight on, straight on and then even further straight on. This evening, that is especially convenient…

For more than 20 years I have been listening to people, thinking along with them and giving advice about possibilities. Setting up my own coaching practice was a logical next step. I found that thrilling, but I was also very excited. Until life decided otherwise…

Sometimes I have a good day and I go outside incognito. Then I'm a roller who is walking. A roller in disguise, so to speak. That is a disconcerting experience, which shows me again how easily I have become used to the privilege of being a roller.

During rides with Regiotaxi and Valys I usually have a chat with the driver. All kinds of topics are covered, from the driver's dogs to COVID, from my disability to politics. Often I am asked if I have a job. “Sure,” I answer. “I am the manager of a dynamic team.”

What is it that the world assumes that your head isn't working properly when you use a wheelchair? Why do my wheels immediately put me in the category “completely dependent”? This patronising is pure discrimination! Not my wheelchair, but that imposed pitifulness makes me disabled…

A while ago I saw a petition on the website of HandicapNL calling for rehabilitation programs to be expanded with the transition from rehabilitation center to life at home. A justified demand, because that transition is very big. Too big. So I wholeheartedly support this petition! But it also made me jealous, because when I got sick, the reaction was: “You have to learn to live with it”. And I was outside again.

In general, sports have my complete disinterest. I just don't care what league has been going on now or who will win. Apparently I'm not that competitive. But the Tokyo Paralympic Games turn out to be a different story…

Due to my chronic illness I have a constant lack of energy. Recovery is not likely. That's why I decided to use aids to make my life easier. As for moving myself, I quickly ended up with a wheelchair. But how do you arrange a wheelchair if you can still walk? And what prejudices do you encounter?

So far I have not talked about sex on this blog. That I will change now! Because sex is important to me, as it is to most people. But since I became chronically ill, sex is no longer selfevident.