Melissa Blake

Melissa Blake, born in 1981, is an American writer, blogger, journalist, and disability activist. She was born with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a genetic disorder impacting bones and muscles, leading to numerous hospital visits and surgeries throughout her childhood. Milestones in her early life include undergoing multiple procedures with an Ilizarov apparatus to straighten leg bones, a spinal operation at age 13 for severe spinal cord compression, and a knee fusion surgery at 15. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University and currently resides in DeKalb, Illinois.

Blake is widely recognized for her blog, “So About What I Said,” where she explores themes of relationships, pop culture, and disability. Her writings have been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, The Washington Post, Bustle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Good Housekeeping. A significant turning point in her career occurred in 2019 when, after facing online harassment regarding her appearance, she began posting daily selfies on Twitter (now X) to promote disability acceptance. This initiative gained viral attention and solidified her role as a prominent disability activist.

Her commitment to advocacy extended to her first book, “Beautiful People: My Thirteen Truths About Disability,” published by Hachette Go in March 2024. The book received an Alex Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association the following year. Blake’s work consistently aims to challenge ableism and antiquated narratives surrounding disability, fostering a confident and proud identity for disabled individuals.