Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer: Changing Perceptions of Disabled People with Style
Lauren “Lolo” Spencer is a dynamic force in the world of disability advocacy. As a disability lifestyle influencer, actress, model, public speaker, and content creator, she has made significant strides in changing how society views disabled individuals. Her YouTube channel, “Sitting Pretty,” is a testament to her mission, showcasing her life as a woman in a wheelchair and covering a range of topics from disability fashion tutorials to everyday societal challenges, dating, and her journey with a new diagnosis.
Spencer’s acting career took a significant leap when she starred as Tracy Holmes in the film “Give Me Liberty,” which premiered in the Sundance NEXT category. Her performance was lauded as one of the top at the Sundance Film Festival 2019 by RogerEbert.com. The film also screened at Cannes in Directors Fortnight and opened in limited theaters in August 2019. Spencer’s influence extends beyond acting; she has been featured in major media outlets like HuffPost, Buzzfeed, and All Def Digital, and has modeled in campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive. She has also been a panelist at the YouTube Accessibility Summit, Los Angeles Abilities Expo, and VidCon, the nation’s largest YouTube conference.
Spencer’s ultimate goal is to provide an honest perspective on life as a disabled person, dispelling myths and stereotypes about the disability lifestyle. She aims to create content that pushes for inclusion and representation in the entertainment and beauty industries.
Positivity is a choice that Spencer had to consciously make at 14 years old when she was diagnosed with ALS, a condition that predicted she had only five years left to live. Defying the odds, she chose to live a robust and happy life from the comfort of her power wheelchair. Now at 35, she is a model, actress, and disability advocate who recently released a memoir titled, “Access Your Drive and Enjoy The Ride: A Guide on Achieving Your Dreams from a Person with a Disability.” In her book, she describes the important decisions she made after her body began to change, including the decision to live a fulfilling life despite her diagnosis.
Contrary to popular belief, happy, young wheelchair users do exist. Spencer’s career, stemming from her YouTube channel, “Sitting Pretty,” is dedicated to showing people that the disability lifestyle can be “fun, fly, and sexy, just like anything else.” She not only aims to educate non-disabled people about disability but also to empower other disabled individuals to live complete lives.
Spencer’s positivity and courage come from her family and friends. She credits her environment and the people around her for her positive outlook on life. Her family, full of musicians, always knew how to have a good time, and this energy was crucial when she was diagnosed. Her friends, who share similar perspectives on positivity, have also played a significant role in her journey.
Spencer’s courage to be independent, especially in a world that expects disabled individuals to be dependent, comes from her mother. Her mother, a firecracker in her own right, never allowed anyone to take advantage of or mistreat her. Witnessing her mother’s strength and resilience, Spencer learned to navigate her own challenges with courage and determination.
When Spencer was diagnosed with ALS, the internet told her that her life expectancy was just five years. This prognosis became a source of motivation for her. She refused to accept it and chose to live her life to the fullest. Her natural spirit and energy repelled the negativity of the diagnosis, and she used this as motivation to move forward.
Spencer’s experience of getting a power wheelchair was initially emotional, but she approached it with maturity. She realized that the wheelchair provided her with the freedom and independence to live her life fully. Her friends’ excitement and support confirmed that using a wheelchair was a positive step.
In her book, Spencer wants people to understand that disabled individuals have options and possibilities. She aims to dispel the myth that disabled people live a linear, depressed life needing a superhero to save them. She wants people to see the humanity in her story and understand that disabled individuals are much more than their disabilities.
Spencer also addresses the dehumanization and desexualization of people in wheelchairs. She acknowledges that this is an insecurity she still struggles with, but she has learned not to take it personally. She believes that it is partly the responsibility of disabled individuals to educate others about their reality.
Spencer’s journey is a powerful reminder that disabled individuals are capable of living fulfilling, independent lives. Her work continues to change perceptions and inspire others to see the beauty and potential in every individual, regardless of their physical abilities.
Source: HuffPost, Buzzfeed, All Def Digital, YouTube Accessibility Summit, Los Angeles Abilities Expo, VidCon
