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Vilissa Thompson

, LMSW, is a contributing writer at YES! Media. A macro social worker from South Carolina, she is an expert in discussing the issues that matter to her as a proud Black disabled woman from the South. Follow her on the socials: @VilissaThompson.

Articles By This Author

An image from the documentary Patrice: The Movie, which is available to stream on Hulu. Patrice, a black woman wearing a red shirt, has a toast with wine glasses with her partner Gerry, a white man in a grey sweater, both seated at a dinner.

Body Politics

‘Patrice’ Captures the Fight for Marriage Equality for Disabled Couples

Disabled couples risk losing their benefits when they marry. A new documentary spotlights the fight to change that.

Vilissa Thompson | Apr 10, 2025

Body Politics

A Beautifully “Wicked” Approach to Disability

Despite being pitied for the color of their skin or wheelchair use, the film’s characters don’t let society define them—or their power.

Vilissa Thompson | Feb 27, 2025

Opinion | Democracy

Hope Is All We Have Today

As we await election results, Vilissa Thompson reminds us that hope is a discipline that we cannot cede to despair.

Vilissa Thompson | Nov 4, 2024

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