Disability, Art, and Fashion can Coexist.

PHOTO BY LYNDSEY CONSTABLE

In a world often bound by conventional standards and stifling expectations, there are few who dare to shatter the barriers of conformity and boldly pave their own path. Meet Kae, a trailblazer in every sense of the word, who has not only defied the limits imposed by society but has also emerged as a beacon of empowerment in the realm of modeling while battling muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease that causes progressive degeneration of the skeletal muscles.

From the outset, Kae embarked on her journey with a fierce determination to rewrite the script of her own narrative. Fearlessly stepping into the spotlight, she embraced her uniqueness with unwavering confidence, refusing to compromise her authenticity for fleeting approval. Kae stood firm in her belief that true liberation comes from staying true to oneself.

But make no mistake, this did not happen without its hurdles. It took immense courage and vulnerability to navigate the maze of obstacles that stood in her path. Yet, with each challenge conquered, she emerged stronger and more resilient, fueled by an unyielding resolve to break free from the chains of expectation.

Now, as we delve deeper into Kae's extraordinary journey, we uncover the transformative power of self-belief and the profound impact of embracing one's true essence. Join us as we trace her footsteps from humble beginnings and discover the profound wisdom gained along the way. For in Kae's story lies a timeless lesson: that by embracing our authentic selves, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire others to do the same.

Models of Canada: Who is Kae? Tell us about yourself?

Kae: I am a Disabled, East-Asian, Second Generation/Canadian-born, Female, Toronto-based Multi-Disciplinary Freelancer, Model, and Advocate for people with disabilities and accessibility practices—living with a rare progressive muscle-wasting disease called Muscular Dystrophy. That is a mouthful to say and read but it’s important as it helps paint a picture of who I am. These intersecting identities have greatly impacted my life and led me on my unique path; trailblazing to finding a greater purpose. My mission is to raise awareness, empower others like me, and help foster a more inclusive, accessible safe space for all to thrive in.

Models of Canada: Can you share with us your journey of breaking barriers and stereotypes in the fashion industry as a model with muscular dystrophy?

Kae: It all started when I decided to share my story on social media back in 2018—which began as a necessity to self-advocate and later evolved into raising awareness for MD while showcasing how inaccessibility affects my day-to-day. By pairing my words with a curated self-portrait each time, I showed people that disability, art, and fashion can coexist. It also allowed people to see and unlearn what disability should look and sound like. I don’t fit society’s idea of disability but I’m showing there is diversity within disability; you can be able-bodied passing and still be disabled and identify as that.

By putting myself out there and taking charge of my narrative, I can authentically be myself and attract those who are open and willing to learn, however, it takes a lot of vulnerability to do that, especially when a majority can’t relate to you. Thankfully, there are people out there who believe in my message and B&M Models is one of them. They came across me on my socials and signed me at the end of 2021. The fact that a well-known agency sees potential in me is very telling of where the fashion industry is headed but my journey has only begun—there is still a lot of work to do.

Models of Canada: How has your experience with muscular dystrophy influenced your perspective on beauty standards and diversity in the fashion world?

Kae: Truthfully, it hasn’t. I was always known as the weird-artsy girl who found beauty in things that others typically don’t, and I appreciate people and things as they are. Unfortunately, I didn’t extend this sentiment to myself. I held the deep belief that I didn’t belong and that I would never meet America’s standard of beauty because of my height, ethnicity, and later, disability. I grew up not seeing anyone short, Asian, or Disabled in Canadian high fashion and especially not positively represented in the media. I can only show up as myself and hope that society or the industry can find beauty in me beyond the conventional expectations—but also, why wait? I can start my own projects and bring them to life, showing people it’s possible and that I too can model, in my own way.

Models of Canada: In what ways do you believe your unique perspective and experiences can contribute to promoting inclusivity and representation within the fashion industry?

Kae: By still being here, using my voice, and showing up every day despite my adversities. I am living proof that you can defy the odds stacked against you if you never give up on yourself. Living with a progressive disability requires an immense amount of creativity, grit, and patience but it’s possible. My activism and honesty hopefully teaches everyone that we’re all human and that people with disabilities are no different or less deserving than those without disabilities. My lived experiences remind people that anyone can become disabled at any time. Life happens and lots happen beyond our control. By having more awareness of diversity and inaccessibility, we can be better humans to each other; carrying with us more openness, curiosity, and empathy. In the end, we’ll be better able to collaborate and innovate in ways that empower and inspire society beyond fashion.

Models of Canada: What advice would you give to other individuals with disabilities who aspire to pursue a career in modeling or any other field where they may face societal misconceptions?

Kae: You’ll have to put in work, a lot of work. The reality is, you’re part of an underrepresented group and there’s still a lot of stigma and outdated mindsets surrounding people with disabilities. Remind people you’re still human and own your differences. The only way to begin is by putting yourself out there, whether through an agency or independently, teaching people about you, and not letting anyone speak for you. Your feelings are valid, and you matter. You have to take up room and let the world know you exist but you also have to recognize that you will never be fully relatable or understood—and that’s okay. You will inevitably have to do things differently. What you think is your flaw can actually work for you.

You just have to figure out how and learn to lean into it. And don’t forget, be easy on yourself on the days you find yourself exhausted or lacking the courage to continue facing the world. Take a day off and try again tomorrow. Things will eventually fall into place, or you will find your rhythm. Lastly, this sounds cliche but when others see how confident you are in your skin, it will teach them how to respond to you. Don’t give up and have fun with it. Be yourself.

Models of Canada: Building on the last question, can you expand on how you manage societal misconceptions within the modeling world? Also the potential lack of societal education on muscular dystrophy?

Kae: I’m relatively new so I’m still learning how to navigate this space but essentially, I went from being invisible to being a checklist. People tend to forget we’re real people with real disabilities. You would think it’d be smooth sailing after getting signed to an agency but unfortunately, that is only half the battle. The industry is not used to working with disabled models yet; I’m noticing there is a lack of knowledge on what accessibility truly means and how they can accommodate a disabled talent/model on set. Having a disability will always be about educating others about your diagnosis, your general disabled community, and what accessibility means for you—it comes with the territory. We will always have to advocate for ourselves because no one else can; they’re not in our shoes. So far, I’ve found that most people are willing to try to accommodate when asked, and Muscular Dystrophy is rare to begin with, so that is something I will always have to explain. Regardless of an actual diagnosis name, it’s ultimately about explaining what your unique access needs are. What can your agency or production team do to help you feel more comfortable before showing up on set? Is it during project planning? Is it during the actual shoot? How can they help you alleviate any mental or physical burden? Be specific and don’t be afraid to ask. These are literal and valid barriers getting in the way of doing our jobs and living life.

Models of Canada: Can you discuss a specific moment or project in your career where you felt particularly empowered to challenge preconceived notions about disability and redefine beauty standards?

Kae: Early in my career, I was selected to be featured on Yahoo Style Canada for International Women’s Day back in 2019; sharing the impact public image and perception have had on me. I had just started my advocacy journey so this was a huge feat for me. I remember feeling like an imposter because I was just starting to find my voice. The fact that they were interested in interviewing me despite my low social media numbers and experience showed me that things were starting to change for the better and that what I had to say was important. I made sure to dress my best because I knew I was representing my disabled community; I wanted to show that you can be stylish with a disability. The whole experience was a validation of my hard work and resiliency, especially being in the same segment alongside an incredible group of diverse Canadian women. It was truly a groundbreaking moment that I will forever cherish and be proud of.

Written by: Models of Canada