Reimagining Protest: Artivism in the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) Community

Activism is a critical element of the disability rights movement. Disabled activists and protesters have paved the way for creating more accessible activism opportunities. However, traditional forms of activism often exclude activists with severe energy-limiting disabilities, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). People with ME have been ignored, maligned, and disbelieved for decades while being excluded from traditional forms of disability justice activism. ME activists have had to adopt creative activism techniques to raise awareness and share their stories while adhering to their energy limits. This exploratory design research thesis seeks to explain how artivism, the intersection of art and activism, provides a unique way for people with severe ME to participate in protests and movements from their homes or beds. I utilize crip theory to analyze how artivism by the ME community represents an empowering counter to the stigma, ignorance, and inaccessible forms of activism they have faced.