TikTokAs we continue to celebrate Disability Pride Month, this week's spotlight features the fabulous @roxychanelmurray! A fierce style-queen and equally fierce disability advocate, Roxy's content is engaging, relatable and fashion-forward all in equal measure!
From going on Pride marches with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, to voiceovers of her favourite books and groovy dance videos, Roxy serves educational content with a healthy dose of style! We love her use of TikTok's best features, including this hot and cold filter to discuss the reality of Multiple Sclerosis. When she's not doing this, you can catch snippets in her life, information on MS, important activism campaigns and some amazing selfies. Talk about range!
In this week's spotlight, we asked Roxy why awareness about disabilities is so important, what Disability Pride means to her, and some of her favourite content on the platform. To end with some daily words of affirmation, check out her pep talk to herself and her body!
What does Disability Pride Month mean to you?
To me, it means visibility. It allows us to be seen and visible in a way that we previously were not able to, and allows us to control our own narratives as disabled individuals. I believe we have a long way to go, but I think it’s a great first step to furthering our disability rights and changes in accessibility.
Why do you think raising awareness about disabilities matters?
Because visibility is key. If other disabled individuals see someone who looks like them achieving in life and loving themselves while dealing with similar situations, it can be really affirming. I know I have felt greater self-worth and strength within my journey when I knew I wasn’t alone. It also allows us to share our stories and highlight what we need to do to create a more accessible world going forward.
What first inspired you to create TikTok? I was inspired to first use TikTok because it allows you to make bite-sized information accessible. Using different sounds and captions allows me to increase my engagement with people I just couldn’t reach on other platforms. I also love how it allows you to create humorous activism. As a very visual individual I’ve been able to combine my love of art and fashion into my disability awareness.
What role do you think TikTok can play in challenging representation?
I think it can help break down preconceptions and stereotypes of what a disability or disabled individual looks like. It also creates stronger self-advocacy and community for individuals, and allows companies and brands to see us and hire us within their companies and campaigns.
What is your goal on TikTok?
My goal is to have fun and raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, invisible illnesses and disabilities while doing so.
What other creators with a disability are on your For You feed?
What do you love most about the TikTok community?
That it’s a collaboration of minds and a way to meet.
What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?
It’s a toss up between this one, because I’m always being told I look too good to have an illness or disability and it just felt so validating to make (not to mention Doja Cat has a sound for every mood), and this one. The second one because it’s the last time I managed to walk in heels, but it allows me to celebrate the beauty of the disabled community by showing that we should be on runways. Like my jumper says, we are sick and sickening!
New to TikTok and keen to learn more about Disability Pride Month? It couldn't be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon!
