By way of an introduction
Transabled.org is an outlet for those of us who are transabled. The main focus is strongly on my thoughts about being transabled, wheelchairs, wannabes, disability, body identity integrity disorder (BIID) and related topics. Initially, it was merely a blog of sorts, before blogs even existed as such. Now, we have other people sharing their experiences, discussing their use of wheelchairs, of "pretending", of being who they are.
So you'll ask: "That 'thing', transabled, just exactly what is it?". It is hard to define in just a few words, the best way to learn is by going through the site, but in a nutshell, someone who is transabled "wants" to be disabled.
But it is not so much a "want" as much as a "need". Our "desire" is more a reflection of the fact that our self-image is that of a paraplegic (or amputee, or blind, or any number of other disabilities) than that of an able bodied man or woman.
The dichotomy between what our psyche tells us and what our body tells us is ripping us apart.
I well remember the first time I discovered I wasn't the only one feeling this way. I had a long discussion that evening with Sue, who told me about her desire to be paralysed. From there, I started looking around the 'net for more information about wheelchairs, wannabes (this is what most people call transabled). At the time, there was next to nothing. But it was enough to make me realise I was not the only one. That I was not sick in the head.
I only hope to repay the favour, and that a few people will find solace in knowing they are not alone.
You may think this pretty weird, obscene, even. But before you get upset about how we feel, I beg you to keep an open mind and read more about it. Explore the site, learn a little bit more. I always welcome an intelligent discussion about it, whether we agree or not.
And if you don't find it in you to be open minded, please move on.
Welcome!
Sean
Authors Wanted!
We are looking for new contributors to the site. Do you have BIID? Are you interested in writing regularly about your experience living with BIID? If so, becoming an author on this site may be what you are looking for. Get more information about becoming an author »
Latest entries

by Elisabeth - 16 March 2010
After a very pleasant breakfast with my girl friend (we talked also a bit about tunnel vision of some men in my life), an older man stopped me and asked with a heavy accent: "Vhy arre you in a wheelchairr?" So with a similarly heavy accent, I replied: "Vat is that yourr business?"
None of Your Business in German continues »

by Chloe - 15 March 2010
Another tedious skiing adventure from Chloe? Yeah maybe, but I wouldn’t write about it if I didn’t think I had something new to say:
Out of Bounds continues »

by Elisabeth - 14 March 2010
When in doubt, I give myself the benefit. When I feel that I am wrong about my BIID and my husband is right, I look at a quarter of century of compensating and fighting of BIID and I ask myself: Am I really that stupid that I couldn’t figure out the easy answer?
When In Doubt… continues »

by Sean - 13 March 2010
The draft of the DSM5 is up for feedback until 20 April 2010. It proposes many interesting changes, well worth a read. However, at first look, it does NOT include Body Integrity Identity Disorder. BIID is there, kinda, but you have to look for it through the back door.
Giving Feedback to DSM5 Task Force continues »

by Sophie - 12 March 2010
Once again my friends (especially Sean…helpful fulla he is) have challenged me to expand my options and consider other universities and I’ve ended up feeling indecisive and it all comes down to where I want to live. My plans so far are to leave home in 2011 and go study and not screw up again.
Study Options continues »