Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Living with porphyria has taught me that vulnerability is both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength because it allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, to share my experiences, and to share support with and for those who feel me. But it's also a weakness because it makes me vulnerable to judgment, exploitation, and fetishization.
People can be cruel, and differences are often mocked or exploited. I've had people ridicule me during the day and then hit me up for sex at night, drawn to the "vampire" mystique. The hypocrisy is mind-blowing.
It's forced me to build walls and be cautious about who I let into my life. Being seen as a disabled person, or a mysterious sexy vampire… these things make me constantly doubt my own self-worth. Why am I only special for my illness? Why am I reduced to a fetish? It's a constant battle to maintain my sense of self in a superficial world.
But I refuse to let the ignorance and prejudice of assholes define me. I'm determined to embrace my vulnerability, to share my story, and to connect with people who see me for who I am, not just for my illness.
People can be cruel, and differences are often mocked or exploited. I've had people ridicule me during the day and then hit me up for sex at night, drawn to the "vampire" mystique. The hypocrisy is mind-blowing.
It's forced me to build walls and be cautious about who I let into my life. Being seen as a disabled person, or a mysterious sexy vampire… these things make me constantly doubt my own self-worth. Why am I only special for my illness? Why am I reduced to a fetish? It's a constant battle to maintain my sense of self in a superficial world.
But I refuse to let the ignorance and prejudice of assholes define me. I'm determined to embrace my vulnerability, to share my story, and to connect with people who see me for who I am, not just for my illness.

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