Wendy Lu
National Disability Journalist
Covering: social issues, politics, gender, disability. Columbia Journalism School grad. Tar Heel living in NYC. Bylines: The New York Times, Teen Vogue, Columbia Journalism Review, Bustle
PROJECTS
The New York Times
What #MeToo Means to Teenagers
When the #MeToo movement exploded on social media in October, the reaction among Maddy Eichenberg’s female-identifying friends at school was, “Yeah, this is pretty much our reality.”
The New York Times
Dating With a Disability | The New York Times
Women with disabilities often begin to date much later in life, and they struggle in a dating culture that places a premium on physical appearance.
Columbia Journalism Review
What journalists can do better to cover the disability beat | Columbia Journalism Review
We’ve all read headlines like this before: “This Student With Cerebral Palsy Went To Prom With Her Best Friend And It Was Magical.” For decades, the media has tended to portray people with disabilities (or those around them) as inspirations or heroes—a genre of reporting known as “inspiration porn.
The New York Times
Drowning Without Water | The New York Times
I’ve had “first days” with more than 50 nurses. But none was as memorable as my first day with Jean.
everydayfeminism.com
Marriage Institutions Aren’t Just Sexist — They’re Ableist And Disrespectful To People With Disabilities
When Cassandra J. Perry, a multiply-disabled activist and writer, was in peak dating mode, they were hit with assumptions that they were looking for a caregiver instead of a romantic partner. While that may seem like a harsh leap to people who aren’t disabled, this is a common experience for disabled people who are single and looking for romance.
Bustle
I'm A Disabled Woman. Here's Why Ohio's Down Syndrome Abortion Ban Disgusts Me
Last week, the Ohio Senate passed a Down syndrome abortion ban that would make it illegal for health care providers to perform abortions on patients they know have a fetal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Bustle
Tax Day Is When I Finally Get To Stick It To The Patriarchy
I am the first to admit that filing taxes isn't the most exciting activity in the world (well, I'm probably not the first). But here's a secret: Having filed my taxes on my own for the past few years, I've realized that, in a small way, I can use Tax Day to fight the patriarchy. Filing my taxes each year has helped me to confront my intense anxiety toward math, a subject that women are frequently told isn't their "thing."
When I started filing my taxes a few years ago, it felt terrifying. I c...
Teen Vogue
I'm Disabled and I Get Sexually Harassed — Here's Why That Matters
Sexual violence is about power and control. It is also about prejudice. It’s about a lack of empathy and understanding for those who are not like you.
Bustle
I Was A Disabled Student Educated In The Public School System & Betsy DeVos Doesn't Understand The Needs Of Disabled Kids In Public Schools
A few days ago, I picked up the phone and called a senator for the first time in my life to explain why, as a former disabled student educated in public schools, I highly opposed Betsy DeVos for U.S. Secretary of Education.
Bustle
The Disability March Allows People With Disabilities To Protest Trump's Presidency, No Matter Where They Are
Although the Women's March is going to be awesome, the reality is that not everyone can jump on a bus and head to Washington, D.C — and it's particularly difficult for people with mobility issues or other health conditions.
Men'sHealth
How These Couples Turned a One-Night Stand Into a Long-Term Relationship
You might think it's just a casual hookup— but science says the chances are good it could turn into much more.
Bustle
"Put Her On The Map" Hilariously & Powerfully Makes The Case For Why More Landmarks Should Be Named After Women — VIDEO
It's no secret that women are underrepresented in many facets of society including public office, STEM fields, and Hollywood. Adding to the problem is the fact that the names of geographical landmarks usually honor famous and accomplished men instead of women.
Bustle
We've Been Talking About Serge Kovaleski All Wrong
If you didn't know who Serge Kovaleski is a year or two ago, chances are you do now, thanks to Donald Trump.
Bustle
'Wonder' Doesn't Deserve An Oscar For Casting A Non-Disabled Actor In Its Leading Role
When the 2018 Oscar nominations were announced on Tuesday, I was appalled to see that Wonder had been nominated for Best Makeup & Hairstyling. Despite the movie's generally high ratings and praise from critics, the film crew failed one of the most important parts of telling the story of Wonder, a movie about a 10-year-old with a genetic craniofacial condition — and that's hiring a disabled actor to play Auggie.
Bustle
Disney Princesses Going To The OB-GYN During Trump's Presidency Show How Devastating A Repeal Of the Affordable Care Act Will Be
A new art project created by activist Danielle Sepulveres and illustrator Maritza Lugo features Disney Princesses going to the OB-GYN during Trump's presidency. The project shows how well-known characters like Pocahontas and Belle would likely be affected in an America where the Affordable Care Act is repealed.