Subject: A Shattered Vase: My Voice, My Struggle

Younglloyd_12

As a Black gay man navigating the workplace with a disability, I’ve spent my life fighting to be heard, seen, and valued. Today, I feel the weight of that fight more than ever.

Recently, I was told: “Next time, use your own voice.” Those words, so casually spoken, cut deeply. They dismissed the steps I’ve taken to level the playing field and undermined my efforts to express myself in a world that so often silences people like me. It felt like a hammer striking the fragile vase I’ve spent years piecing together—shattering my confidence and my sense of belonging.

 ClaroRead and AI have been my allies in this journey. They’ve given me a voice when I’ve struggled to find one, enabling me to express myself and compete in ways that should be celebrated, not questioned. Yet, despite the occupational health recommendations for training and upgraded tools, my workplace has done the bare minimum: a larger screen, outdated software, and no proper training. It feels performative—like they’re just ticking boxes to appear inclusive while ignoring my real needs.

The cracks in my vase are growing wider. The water isn’t just seeping out anymore—it’s rushing uncontrollably. Each time it breaks, I lose a little more energy, a little more hope. As I approach sixty, I find myself wondering: How much longer can I keep trying to fix this broken system?

I’ve carried the weight of my disability, my identity, and the constant need to prove myself for decades. I’m tired of having to explain, justify, and fight for what should be basic rights. I’m tired of being judged, ignored, and pushed aside.

This isn’t just my story—it’s the story of countless others in marginalized communities who face systemic barriers every day. I’m sharing it because I want to see change. I want to see workplaces truly commit to inclusion, to equity, to valuing diverse voices—not just in theory, but in practice.

No one should have to feel like they’re constantly gluing themselves back together, only to break again.

What I hope for is to amplify this story to highlight the systemic issues faced by marginalizetion 

1. Raise Awareness: Share my story on your platforms to spark conversations about the challenges faced by disabled individuals in workplaces, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

2. Advocate for Change: Support initiatives that push for better implementation of assistive technologies, comprehensive training, and policies that genuinely accommodate neurodiverse employees.

3. Connect Me with Resources: Help me find networks, legal support, or advocacy groups that can assist in addressing workplace discrimination and advancing accessibility.

4. Collaborate on Solutions: If your organization has ongoing campaigns or programs, I’d love to contribute my lived experience to inform strategies and create impactful change.

I’m open to further discussion and would greatly appreciate your guidance on how best to proceed. Thank you again for your support and for being part of this journey toward equity and inclusion.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

 Warm regards,

cheles99

Bless you you are strong brave man i hope people listen to your story i am sending good wishes and hope your life improves xx

Younglloyd_12

Thank you, Scope community, for your kind message and for acknowledging my story, Shattered Vase.
Having my lived experience recognized in such a meaningful way has truly helped with my well-being. As an older person living with a hidden disability, I often grapple with questions about my worth to society, especially as I feel my independence slowly being chipped away.
There are moments when it’s difficult to see how much my voice still matters, but receiving this acknowledgment reminds me that I do have a place in these conversations. It’s a reminder that even as we face challenges, our stories and voices are valuable, and they deserve to be heard.
Thank you again for this support—it makes all the difference.

GalDriver

Well said! I'd like to share this to my Facebook page, please. Are you on FB so I can tag you?

Pickle72

You write so beautifully and I hear you.

Younglloyd_12

Sure ..pls do …i am not sure if i am using online platforms correctly however i have insta [age blackexperienceuk or fb LLoyd young

Catherine21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955781#Comment_955781

So beautifully written and someone who has body dismorphia can relate in many ways keep writing talking making a difference

Elizabeth100

Hello, Lloyd, you write eloquently about your story, which is a story many have encountered.

I was offered a 'good' chair to sit on when I was found to have an impairment. However, it was suggested that part-time working from home could not be permitted, as my presence in the office was deemed essential. I kept in touch with the (lovely) woman who took over my role…she mentioned that no-one approached her in the office from one end of the week to the next! (So much for adjustment).

The frustration of staying at work and being badly treated must be shocking, and it is all too common. Best wishes to you, E xx

Banarama123

please never let your voice go unheard. You are a special person and equal as anyone. The workplace can be very cold and ignorant towards people with not only hidden disability but also gay men and women. This idea that people accept us is a lie and well disguised but underneath people who are discriminating always will be. It dosent suddenly just just disappear from peoples mind. They are just a bit better at hiding it. Always stand up for yourself. These people are nothing other than weak bullies and feel powerful in their little minds when they manage to put others down. It comes in all shapes and forms. I was bullied most of my life at work but am not gay and at that time did not have a hidden disability until recent years. I fought back and never let them take away my voice. So it was a struggle. I wish you the very best and if there’s anything I can help you with would be glad to. It’s hard living with hidden disabilities as people are so ignorant and we shouldn’t have to explain ourselves to others. Good luck.

Younglloyd_12

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for every response I’ve received from the SCOPE online community. Each message has given me the courage to know that I’m not alone and to keep fighting for what I believe in: the right to have a voice, to be included, respected, valued, and appreciated for my contributions over the past sixty years.
As a survivor of abuse and violence due to my queerness, and as an older person living with a disability in supported housing, I face unique challenges. I recently spoke with a support worker about not being treated with respect or as an individual with unique needs. It’s not just about needs—it’s about being seen and heard. Too often, it feels like older people in these spaces are reduced to being fed, as if that’s all we require, rather than engaging in meaningful conversations about the difficulties we face.
There’s little understanding or support for the intersectional challenges of being older, living with a disability, and navigating sexuality and gender. This experience only highlights how vital community spaces like SCOPE are—places where we can share, feel understood, and know that we are not alone. thank you all x

GalDriver

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955819#Comment_955819

Thanks. There are a few, same name, on FB. Could you describe your profile pic?

Younglloyd_12

would this lank help

https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.young.5220

Bluebell21

Hi @Younglloyd_12 Thank you for sharing your story. I am so very sorry that some one's thoughtless off hand remark can cause you so much hurt, and leave you questioning your own worth.

From your powerful story you do not sound to me as if you will give up the fight no matter how hard it is for you.

Remember you are a Special person and why should you fit in with any group when you can be a shining star on your own, with your own values.

Please take care of yourself.

GalDriver

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/955865#Comment_955865

Cheers. Sent message on Fb