Alaina Lee

Alaina Lee is a freelance feminist writer at the intersection of politics and pop culture. Ask about her collection of feminist literature, her cats, her tattoos, or her cat tattoos. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram @laina_w, on Medium @alainalee, and on her personal website www.alaina.space.

Response to creative prompt: "When I look in the mirror, I see..."

I'm disabled both physically and mentally. This prompt resonated with me because, as someone with only invisible illnesses, I was intrigued by the idea of chronicling a condition through what you do not see, rather than what you do. In my piece, I describe my experiences indirectly through the chosen medium of my tattoos, reflecting my choice to turn painful experiences into art and beauty. By choosing to scar myself with the lessons I've learned, I assert my authority to look in the mirror and see strength where I once saw weakness.