Today we’d like to introduce you to Chassidy Young.
Chassidy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Being born a black girl with a visible and physical disability, the idea of confidence and living boldly was unexpected but I did not wish to live my life any other way! I learned early in life that I did not meet the beauty standards of the world. While many people feel the pressure to uphold society’s standards I began to realize since I couldn’t be a part of it that I could create freedom of self-expression in my own way and be whoever I desired to be.
As a woman with a physical and visual disability, it was very important to me to not feel any less. I’ve noticed in social media and movies, just plain historically that disabled men and women did not have the right to walk unapologetically in their bodies. It seemed weird or unnatural for a person with a physical and visual disability to love their bodies and feel confident! Sexy even! It seemed that a disabled person one goal in this life was to inspire and motivate others while being limited in how they’re allowed to feel about themselves in their own lives. While influencing and motivating others is very important to me, it’s also imperative that I’m able to walk in the self-love and body positivity I preach to others.
When I was younger, I knew I was different. I knew my friends and family had hands but I didn’t. I had tons of doctors appointments where my physicians tried to determine what went wrong. They were determined to figure it out and while my hospital visits where the most entertaining and fun trips ever, my doctors were unsuccessful in their attempts. They gave me gadgets to assist me with eating. Wrap this around your arm and place the utensil in this part. Yeah, that didn’t last long! My doctors soon realized there was no need for our regular visits. No gigets, no gadgets, and no prosthetics; she is BOUT IT! Okay, well maybe they didn’t say that but you get it! It was now time for school! I was excited. I walked into Mrs. Arnolds class ready to start my day. My teacher gave us all a picture of what she thought would be scribble coming from five-year-olds.
When my mom came back to pick me up my teacher couldn’t wait to show her what I did. She sat all of the apples out on the table and showed my mom the one picture with the colors within the line. She was blown away. I’d never taken any formal lessons on how to write or draw, even pick up a writing utensil. When it happened, I don’t think it was a thought. I picked up the crayons the best way I knew how and colored the best way I knew how. Placing the color between my right cheek and my arm allowed me to have a sturdy grip up top while holding my lip against the utensil helped secure the bottom. It became very natural to me. It was truly God’s plan! I was on a roll! It was the Spring of 1999 and I was so excited to be able to compete with my dance team at Glen Crest 6th grade in a big dance competition at Six Flags. A day away from school to go to an amusement park with $50 in my pocket? Couldn’t have been better! For me at least. The weather was a perfect day to get my dance on with my team and then have some fun in the sun. There were so many different schools and dance teams ready to do their thing but when Zapp and Rogers “More Bounce To The Ounce” came on, nothing else mattered. It was time for us to do our thing. There was no fear on that stage. I smiled. I engaged with the audience and watched as people were captivated by this little ole thang with this HUGE burst of confidence!
Needless to say, the competition was successful. We didn’t place but we had fun. Now to the real fun! The rides! Whoohoo! I’m excited. My team selected a ride and I’m was ready to go. It’s my turn to go through the line, my sister and school friends were all laughing and anticipating! I got to the front and was stopped by a worker and a sign “must be this height to ride”. I looked around astonished and as if reality hit me then and there, I realized wait, this is talking about me. I can’t do this! I realized my friends had to look down to see me while I thought everything was level. I didn’t see me as this employee saw me! I was competing. I was doing everything they were doing. I was just as capable…or I thought. Until that point, I didn’t entertain an idea of being different. I didn’t identify with the word “disability”, I couldn’t have even told you what that meant, but at that moment that idea/word felt more real to me than the sun hitting my face. I cried. The rest of our trip was gloomy. I tried and tried. Even the “kiddie” rides denied me access. I was so mad! It’s devastating to believe that you can do any and everything and then boom one day to be met with your limitations.
It’s hard to accept that you are going to have to compromise with the idea that this and this you can do but THAT over there you’re gonna need to reconsider. I was raised around “fifty-eleven” cousins. I kept up. We all did the same things. There were no “accommodations” growing up. I had to clean my room. I had to have my homework finished before I could play. If I got in trouble, consequences came with it. I couldn’t accept this new thing, this disability. Where has it been? Why now does it want to tell me what I can’t do? Why now? I was 12 years old and was approached a life-changing choice. You’re disabled! What are you going to do? I didn’t wanna be this person told what I can and cannot do. I don’t wanna be separated in class from my friends. I’m different now. I’m not like them.
The devil was quick in finding this new insecurity and attacking my mind and wanting to make me believe that my differences made me different. I didn’t believe that! I felt like I could do anything I desired to do. I wasn’t disabled. I was excelling. I spoke with my parents and had a conversation to continue business as usual! No new labels. Same ideas. Somehow by choosing to not accept these labels or new limitations,, I become more passionate about trying everything! I even started to use a wheelchair. I embraced it. Not realizing the doors using it actually opened up for me! I had a strong support system, my family and friends were great in protecting me and letting me be free to learn and grow. However, it was important to me to see others like me, which I didn’t. I wanted young women like me to have a reference and to know they had a future that’s not boxed into what others think! That’s where the foundation of Chasing Chassidy began.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What’s life without obstacles and challenges!? While at the time I did not understand why I had to experience them, I understand now that I would not be half the woman I am today.
My challenges were wanting people to see me how I saw me. I was raised to walk in boldness. I thought I was a fly lil thang! I had to develop tough skin very early because unfortunately, not everyone else thought that. Even until this day, I get very anxious walking into a room of people who don’t know me. People have this idea of little people that is very cruel. I remember many times being in public and hearing people laugh as if a Kevin Hart joke was being said or hearing someone say “look at that midget”. Man, that was hurtful. I wanted to avoid places where I had to deal with people who didn’t know me. Just stay home or around people who wouldn’t judge me. There was a time I was tired of hiding my hurt behind a smile. All I wanted to do was live my life like everyone else. One day my dad had a talk with me and explained that people are going to stare and are always going to be watching you but do not let that make me sad. He explained people don’t understand and that’s why it was important that I did not hide. I made the choice to be vulnerable because while there was ridicule from some, there was so much love and encouragement from most!
Please tell us about Chasing Chassidy.
Chasing Chassidy is an organization where our platform is about self-love, body positivity, and fear confrontation through motivational speaking, fashion, community service, and writing. Chasing Chassidy is known for spreading messages of loving yourself and embracing your imperfections. Chasing Chassidy is a documentary that was filmed of the owner Chassidy Young, highlighting the every obstacle of a young woman with a disability and her relationships with those surrounding her. This documentary has been featured in many film festivals and as well as on KERA television! We hosted our first Body Positivity seminar and invited many out to view the documentary and meet the owner and have an honest dialogue about disabilities and just overcoming challenges. Chasing Chassidy is also very known for the community and giving back. We are most known for our community projects such as “Love and Hugs” and “Thanksmus”. Chasing Chassidy is set apart because I am a triple threat, a black, disabled woman. The ability to reach various groups. Our target group is very broad as our message is all inclusive!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My childhood was so amazing to me because it was very similar to others, with a little twist, of course, 😊 One of my favorite moments was winning Homecoming Queen my senior year. This was important for me because it was based on votes from your peers, meaning other students voted for me to represent Everman High School as their Queen. My peers/friends didn’t vote for me because of pity but it felt great that they believed I deserved it because of the confidence I had in myself. I was so honored and I remember everyone being so happy. I remember looking up in the stands and everyone stood up and applauded for me. That was such an amazing moment for me. I needed that!
Contact Info:
- Website: Littlewomanthatcould.blogspot.com
- Email: chasingchassidyy@gmail.com
- Instagram: Chasing Chassidy
- Facebook: Chassidy Young
- Twitter: iSmile_ALWAYS_
Image Credit:
YSMD Studio, Art Of Homage, Beat By Fae, Unique Styles by Candace
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