Reframing invisible and visible disabilities | Sophia Hotung & Jessica Chan | TEDxTinHau Women
What if being different wasn’t good or bad, but just... neutral?Jessica and Sophia challenge how we think about disabilities by exploring visible and invisible differences, showing how pity, patronization, and awkwardness turn everyday conversations into alienating moments. Through their personal stories, they encourage us to approach diversity with neutrality and empathy, reminding us that everyone is whole—just as they are. Sophia Hotung is a Eurasian writer and illustrator, best known for creating The Hong Konger art collection, which features 100 artworks inspired by The New Yorker magazine and her experiences growing up in Hong Kong.Sophia speaks and writes regularly about invisible disabilities and living with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases. She is the author and illustrator behind various Hong Kong-related fiction and non-fiction books, and has been featured in the New York Times, Tatler Asia, South China Morning Post, and Harper’s Bazaar.Sophia also works with charities to create passive income streams through creative projects. Her work funds and supports advocacy programs and educational initiatives focused on chronic disability awareness, women’s rights, and the representation of Hong Kong in art and literature.Jessica Chan was born into this world with Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Despite being shorter in stature, she has never stopped dreaming or striving for the same experiences as others, in both her professional and personal pursuits.Jessica is an advocate for gender and disability equality in society through social and education platforms in Hong Kong. She studied architecture at the University of California at Berkeley, focusing on inclusive spaces and accessible design, before earning an MBA in Finance from New York University. Her background is what led her to an international career in real estate and construction at JLL, having built iconic landmarks throughout New York, Singapore, and now Hong Kong. She is a champion for the collaboration and connection of women, co-founding a number of Women & Allies Networks in Hong Kong.As an extreme sports fanatic, Jessica has proven that her perceived physical limitations are no match for her tenacity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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