Social Rejection

 This week, I have felt an overwhelming amount of sorrow. I cannot identify an exact trigger that has caused me to feel this way, but I cannot ignore it. I don't know if this is the start of episodic depression or if it's my subconscious is filtering into my conscious, and my fears and insecurities are sipping through. That annoying, horrific voice is taunting me, and I am doing my best to silence it. After introspecting, I realized that Brianna Solari's story affected me more than I initially realized. 

I strive to live and redefine society's beauty standards, but I am struggling. I surround myself with incredible souls who love and support me unconditionally and always uplift me. With them, my mind is quiet, but when I am forced to be with my thoughts, my fears and insecurities creep up. I first learned of Brianna Solari on Instagram. I quickly read her story, making a mental note to read further, wanting to get the full story instead of an excerpt. Yesterday, I did, and I made my own post on Instagram. Why, I do not know? I have no idea how my anger and complaints against Southwest will make a difference. My voice is not loud enough. All I can do is share her story in the hopes that it will not be forgotten and that no one else with NF or any other physical difference has to experience discrimination and humiliation like that again. 

I understand the fear of communicable diseases, especially after COVID-19. However, that does not give anyone permission to discriminate and spew hatred because someone's physical appearance makes them uncomfortable. On the day of Brianna's flight, she stood precautions, wearing a headband and a mask, effectively covering most of the scabs on her face. The scabs were the result of surgery she had the day before to treat her NF. Now, if the scabs were wet or secreting puss, I would understand Southwest taking precautions. However, Brianna is a nurse, so she would know better. Also, her doctors would not sign off for her to go home if she was not healing according to plan. 

Yes, Southwest did not handle this well, but I assure everyone that this happened because one passenger complained and threatened with something; the crew member did not see another resolution other than escorting Brianna off the fight. Brianna was booked on a flight five hours later, but not before having to disclose her medical condition and her surgeon providing a letter confirming that she was healthy and did not pose harm to anyone. All of this could have been prevented if the flight crew had agreed to read over Brianna's discharge papers, but they refused, insisting that she needed to be seen by EMS. Per the various articles and news stories I have seen over the last 24 hours, she was not checked by EMS at the airport. 

I know some may think or say that I am obsessing over this incident, but I do not think so because this could be me, my mom, anyone in the NF community, or anyone with a facial difference, and that makes me angry and hurt. 

I hope Brianna knows she is not alone and has a sister in me. I wish I could give her a huge hug and validate all her feelings. 

So, this week, I am filled with sadness. I'll bounce back, as I always do.