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A couple months ago, everyone was buzzing about Wicked in April.
While the spotlight was mostly on Elphaba and Glinda, let’s take a moment to talk about Nessarose—Elphaba’s sister, played by the incredible Marissa Bode.
Marissa made history as the first wheelchair user to play a lead role in a major movie musical. But her impact didn’t stop on-screen.
In mid-May, Marissa showed up at the Met Gala—and then showed up online with a message that went way beyond fashion.
She posted a TikTok the day of the event with a simple, powerful caption: “We belong in fashion.”
In her video, she asked: “What am I hoping to see at the Met Gala? Disabled people. This is another year of me once again asking where all the disabled people are. Stairs should not just be a full aesthetic. Be inclusive.”
Let that sink in. On a night that claims to celebrate creativity, vision, and inclusion, accessibility was an afterthought. Again.
Marissa didn’t stop there. She called out the broader industries of fashion and entertainment, saying disabled people are tired of being invited for “one special episode” or “one diversity shoot.” Real inclusion means consistent presence, not occasional exceptions.
She ended her message with a challenge: “If y’all are truly allies, do the work. Help us all get there, because we cannot do this on our own.”
We couldn’t agree more. Inclusion isn’t a trend. It’s a responsibility.
At the Center for Disability Rights (CDR), we stand with Marissa’s message. For over 35 years, CDR has been a leading voice fighting for rights and full inclusion of people with disabilities. We believe that accessibility and representation aren’t luxuries, they’re essential.
CDR works to break down barriers in every part of life: from education and employment to public spaces and cultural events. We advocate for systemic change so that disabled people don’t just survive—they thrive and lead.
Marissa’s words remind us why our work matters: Disabled people don’t want to be occasional guests in the room; we want to be part of the conversation, shaping culture and policy on our own terms.
Representation is powerful, but it’s only the beginning. Disabled people deserve more than to be seen. We deserve to be included, celebrated, and centered in every space where culture is shaped.
So, let’s keep asking the hard questions and more importantly, let’s start changing the answers.