Inspired by the social media phenomenon Humans of New York, we have been uncovering the Library's greatest treasure, the people who breathe life into its spaces - the 'Humans of the Library'.
Meet Samantha -The Activist
"I am in the library because I missed my train home to Toodyay.
I’m a disability and human rights activist. I’m on the Board of Disability Australia and have a regular spot on ABC The Drum. You could describe me as “semi-famous shouty person”. I am also a collector of childish tattoos and don’t do dishes!
My life as an activist began when I was 19 years old, when a friend was shot in the neck and permanently disabled. He was kicked out of one institution, then the next. The experience taught me how to connect with power by identifying the change makers. I learnt “how to play the white men in suits and use it to my advantage”.
I have been in a wheelchair since I was 40. I was born with Muscular Dystrophy. I'm comfortable calling myself a “crip” or a “cripple” but I’m not ok with the weird interactions I have each day as a person in a wheelchair. Like having money thrown at me and being asked about my sex life. These exchanges with “walkers” leave wheelchair uses feeling objectified and de-valued. Objects of curiosity rather than people. My biggest fear is that disabled people are going to be marginalised and disadvantaged forever.
I’m also not ok with being told that I’m “brave and inspirational”. I hate disability awareness campaigns that describe disabled people as special or inspiring. “Special is shit. We just want to be treated like normal people.” See Stella Young’s TED Talk ‘I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much’.
I have six kids aged 22-33, it’s a standing joke in our family that each one is my favourite. Yes, they probably do all have a bit of social warrior in them. My disabled sisters the Bolshy Divas are also important to me. Together "like female avengers we expose discrimination, unmet need and issues which affect people with disability, using humour and a tonne of bolshiness”.
What do I like about most about the State Library? It’s a safe place. A place where broken people can come when they are interested in finding out about things, because just like you and I they care about things."
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