Being Heumann

I’d finally watched the documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, which featured Judy Heumann, and wanted to know more about her life and activism. She had this infectious charm that made me want to be a disability rights activist alongside her and her friends, and when I found she’d written a memoir, I had to read it.

In describing her life’s path and tenaciousness in taking on powerful institutions, she lays out a roadmap for others who need to fight for human rights like those of trans people. 

This is a must-read for anyone who has ever needed accommodations or has used a subway escalator, ramp, or subtitles. Heumann is an often bitingly funny advocate for the rights of the disabled (including firmly putting The Daily Show host Trevor Noah in his place during a 2020 interview). Along with other disabled people, Heumann helped shape and lead a movement that has transformed life for millions of disabled people around the world. That includes many who become disabled either temporarily or permanently because of age or accident. Along with this book, watched the Oscar-nominated Crip Camp, which features… show more.