Philosophydiva, 54

I was a health policy analyst before my physical disability advanced and I had to retire. I've always been interested in equality, fairness, freedom, and diversity. It took a while for me to get out of my retirement depression, but I have found that getting outside of myself and choosing to have a purpose makes me feel more balanced. I'm an active socialist and have been organizing against racism and bigotry in recent months. You don't have to be as far left as I am, but we must respect each other's beliefs.

I love audiobooks and listen every day. I average 10 books per month, ranging from non-fiction such as The Great Courses series, philosophy, and science to fiction classics, sci-fi/fantasy, and hybrids of sci-fi and romance. I have a weakness for teenager in a dystopia, adult in a dystopia, and non-fiction stories of escape from a dystopia, such as North Korea. My all-time favorite book is Jane Eyre, not just because of the romance, but because it is the first true voice of socio-economic oppression in the English language.

I was born with a neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness throughout my body. I use a wheelchair and need assistance. My physical disability worsens over time, and during an illness, my throat muscles could no longer protect my airway. I've lived with a tracheotomy and without the ability to voice words ever since. The adjustment to that level of disability and retirement was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Too much of my self-worth came from my work. The adjustment made me a better writer, though, and more compassionate.

I believe the most important --- organ is the brain. Communication, creativity, and honesty are what I look for. Nobody feels attractive or even sociable all the time, but I hope not to be shut out when you are having problems or feeling down. I won't shut you out. I'll never think of you as second class whatever your disability or life circumstances may be, and I hope you will do the same.