Max Fisher
Bio
Max is a DeafBlind, Queer, and Disabled activist living in Cambridge, UK. They are non-binary, live with chronic pain, and (literally) see the world very differently. They are a passionate scientist.
Instagram: @Ouch_mouse
Stories (15)
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Biology Says There Are More Than Two Sexes, More Than Two Genders.
Let’s start with what makes me qualified. Aside from living my best genderqueer life, I am a pharmacologist with both a bachelors and a masters in the field. Across both of my degrees, I studied a whole range of different biology based modules, not just pharmacology. One such module included the biology of sex and gender, and how that affects medicine. I nailed that module. So with that out of the way, let’s jump in to debunking some myths about sex and gender.
By Max Fisher5 years ago in Pride
I’m Deaf And I Can Hear Your Ignorance. Let’s Fix That!
“You can’t be deaf, you just heard what I said” One of the most common misconceptions about deaf people is that we can’t hear anything. While for some of us that is completely true, a large percentage of us have some degree of residual hearing. There are 4 levels of hearing loss: mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Even those with some degree of profound hearing loss might be able to hear something if it’s loud enough. At the opposite end of that spectrum, those with mild hearing loss will hear much more, but their hearing loss still interferes with their day to day life. For me, in a quiet room, I can hear that you’re talking to me, but I cannot hear what you’re saying to me. So here I will rely on my hearing aids to give you a boost, and lipreading too.
By Max Fisher5 years ago in Humans
What I Want You To Know About My Life Allergic To Cold
What do you mean "allergic to cold"? I have a condition called Cold Urticaria, meaning I get an urticarial rash (hives) on exposure to cold, as well as other symptoms such as breathing difficulties, pain, and itching. There are lots of theories as to what causes Cold Urticaria, but nothing concrete, and nothing baring a cure.
By Max Fisher5 years ago in Longevity
Medical Masks, But Make It Fashion!
Now that coronavirus has gained pandemic status, wearing masks outside of a medical setting has become more popular. Regardless of your reason for wearing a mask, it is important to understand what they will protect you from, and what they won’t. Most fabric masks worn without a filter won’t offer protection from viruses, bacteria, other disease causing particles, allergens, or even scents and smells. They might reduce the exposure, but they won’t necessarily stop you from getting sick. There are a few exceptions, but as a general rule, you can still contract a virus despite wearing a mask. Furthermore, you can pick up viruses and bacteria on your clothes, and they can then enter your body once the mask has been removed.
By Max Fisher6 years ago in Styled
How I Went to University with Chronic Illnesses
While applying to university, I wasn’t considered disabled, but looking back on it with the knowledge I have now, I should have been. Regardless of this, in my applications, I disclosed my health conditions, as well as the undiagnosed chronic pain issues that we now know to have been caused my fibromyalgia. At the time, I had diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and cold urticaria, and undiagnosed chronic pain, which had some possible diagnoses but nothing concrete. Without a formal diagnosis, it was difficult to do anything with that and have an acknowledgement of the struggles I was facing, and the support I would need.
By Max Fisher7 years ago in Education
Decluttering 101: Trans Edition. Top Story - December 2018.
It’s that time of year where everyone's talking about “new year, new me!” and “out with the old, in with the new.” For some people, decluttering and downsizing is a huge part of that process. There are plenty of articles out there that give you tips and tricks on how to do this properly, but very few articles take into consideration the effect that being transgender has on the decluttering process. When I first did the minimalism challenge in January of this year, I found that my decluttering process was guided by my experience as a trans person. For example, when downsizing my jewelry collection, the items personalised with my dead name were among the first things to go. So if you’re trans, and thinking of decluttering for the new year, this article is here to offer some unique tips and tricks. Please keep in mind that these are all only suggestions, and they may not all work for everyone.
By Max Fisher7 years ago in Lifehack
10 Things Not to Say to Someone Allergic to Cold
When I was younger, say 15 or so, I went to a car show with my dad and my friend Rosie. It was the 4th of July—her birthday—and summer. It wasn't the nicest weather, but it wasn't particularly bad. A little windy at most. I was wearing shorts. We were walking around looking at the cars and some of the stalls that were selling shiny things. We sat on the grass and chatted to a stall owner about what she was selling and how she made some of her stuff. The grass was a little damp with morning dew, and there was a bit of a brisk morning wind. We were sat there for about 15-20 minutes. When we stood up, both of my legs were covered in an angry red rash. I had no idea what it was. We went and sat in the car for a bit, and the rash faded. I decided I felt a bit better, so we went outside again, only for the rash to return. We just carried on, perplexed, but otherwise fine.
By Max Fisher7 years ago in Longevity
We Need to Talk About Ableism in the LGBT+ Community
I started to write this on the train home from the National Union of Students (NUS) LGBT+ Conference, a conference where access needs were repeatedly ignored, the catering was sub-par at best, and a motion was submitted that listed disabilities as flaws, and disabled LGBT+ people as “followers” of the cause. I am exhausted, but it’s fresh in my head.
By Max Fisher7 years ago in Longevity
'If Vaccines Work, Why Is My Unvaccinated Child a Risk to You?' And Other Questions About Vaccines ANSWERED
With Kat Von D announcing to the world that she refuses to vaccinate her future child, there has been lots of hype about the anti-vaxx movement. It's time to stop the misinformation in its tracks. Sit down with #TheWheelchairScientist to find out what the deal is with vaccines.
By Max Fisher8 years ago in Longevity
What I Learned from the Minimalism Challenge
So first up, what is the minimalism challenge? Well basically, The Minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus posted the idea on their website in the spirit of “new year clear out.” The idea is that on the 1st of January, you get rid of one thing, on the 2nd, you get rid of two things, all the way up to getting rid of 31 things on the 31st. You can get a friend and see who finishes first, who gets rid of the most stuff, or you can just keep going through February, March etc. until you reach a natural end. I reversed mine because I’m a rebel and needed to see fast changes. It worked for me because I was so ready to clear stuff out, but if you don’t even know where to start, it’s probably not for you. I completed the challenge over the whole of January, getting rid of over 500 things, and here is what I learned.
By Max Fisher8 years ago in Lifehack
