Currently learning to forge my own armor for my first, sculptural museum display at the @leslielohmanmuseum this July! ⚔️ “Headphones as Armor” will be a representation of how headphones keep me safe against ableist violence: People never assume I am Deaf in public due to stereotypes. I am not always using sign language. I speak without a Deaf accent. This has led to times when I have been violently pushed, verbally assaulted or even hit by bikes due to other’s believing I am ignoring them rather than living with a disability. Visibly wearing headphones, even if I am not using them at the time, keeps me safe from ableist prejudice because unfortunately: The effect of wearing headphones is acknowledged more than being deaf. When having them on, hearing individuals change THEIR behavior towards me rather than expecting me to shift my own. Headphones keep me safe. Headphones are my choice of armor. 🎧 Honored to be a part of this group exhibition “One Must Live It : In conversation with Lorenza Böttner” More details and scheduling updates to come!