What It’s Really Like Being Queer & Disabled

On today’s episode of What It’s Really Like, I sat down with Brandon Farbstein to talk about his experience navigating life as both queer and disabled. We discuss identity, bullying, self-acceptance, dating, representation, and the unique challenges that come with existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized communities. Brandon also opens up about growing up with dwarfism, finding confidence, and what he wishes more people understood about disability and LGBTQ+ experiences. Follow Brandon: @BrandonFarbstein 📚 ORDER MY MEMOIR: UNSEEN: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice — available now! Tap the link in bio to get your copy. 🐾 Support My GoFundMe for The Mira Foundation (guide dogs for the blind): https://gofund.me/5d8fc57f 🛍 Shop My Amazon Favorites: www.amazon.com/shop/mollyburke (Find my go-to vision boarding book, motivational stickers, and more in the Health & Wellness section!) 🐝 Join the Killer Bee Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mollyburke 🎧 Listen to my audiobook “It’s Not What It Looks Like” on Audible: https://audible.com/mollyburke 📲 FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @mollyburkeofficial TikTok: @mollyburkeofficial Twitter: @mollybofficial Facebook: Molly Burke Official 🌐 Learn more about me: http://mollyburkeofficial.com Hi! I’m Molly Burke — a fashion-loving, sushi-obsessed, makeup-wearing millennial who just so happens to be blind. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at 4 years old, I began public speaking at age 5 and haven’t stopped since. From motivational talks to modeling, I’m passionate about creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. Even though I can’t see, I believe there’s always a bright side — and I’m here to help you find it. 💕 Chapters: 00:00 Opening Story: The Breaking Point 01:16 Introducing This Week's Guest 02:20 Living With an Ultra-Rare Form of Dwarfism 07:20 Finally Getting a Diagnosis 11:00 Disability, Identity & Family Fears 18:45 Childhood Mobility Challenges 22:45 Early Memories That Shape Self-Worth 27:45 Growing Up & Internalized Disability Stigma 33:00 Mental Health Struggles & Suicidal Thoughts 35:45 Finding the Right Therapist 40:00 Reframing Disability & Self-Acceptance 49:30 Accessibility Technology & Independence 59:45 Everyday Accessibility Challenges 1:10:00 Representation, Marginalization & Visibility 1:20:00 Advocacy, Community & Creating Change 1:30:00 Dwarfism Representation in Film & TV 1:37:55 The Snow White Controversy 1:45:10 Dating With a Disability 1:45:20 Being Disabled and Queer 1:52:00 Relationships, Attraction & Self-Confidence 2:00:45 Everyday Adaptations & Accessibility Hacks 2:08:00 Advice for Disabled People Struggling With Identity 2:13:30 Final Thoughts & Closing Reflections