InValids

In 1997 the movie Gattaca was released. It was the story of two classes of people: those with genetic enhancements and those without. The term for the superior class was Valid while those of natural birth were In-Valids, as in non-valids.

I loved the play on words that was used because the genetically modified class saw the others as below them, not worthy of the equal chances, freedoms, and rights.


I was born a straight white Male into Canada which made me privileged but I was too young in 1997 to understand that fact. Today, 21 years later I have come out as atheist, enough for half the population to see me as less than they. I have also been open about my mental and physical challenges, as my body and mind fight against my wellness. Without even knowing it, at first, I had become marginalized.


I was in-valid.


I live on the love of my mother and assistance from the government. I am now, in actuality, an invalid, no longer able to care for myself. I see so many attempts at positive messages here daily and I try to believe them but whenever I close my eyes I see this image from the movie and find it difficult to escape the fact that they just don’t apply to me.