Curtains Up

Dear Friends,

Maybe you have heard of the new film MUSIC by Sia. It has been distressing me for a while now, but it was too upsetting to think or talk about. Now that I have read more about it and seen the trailer, I am even more appalled and disgusted and hurt. It is clear that nonspeaking autistics are still viewed as props for the realization of neurotypical “empathy” and growth and little else. I am more than your inspiration. I am a whole and complex and real human, with my own stories that are worthy of sharing. I am my own story in and of myself. I am my own story of hopes and dreams and struggles and triumphs and real experiences. I have so much to share with the world, and being reduced to an inaccurate and offensive empty stereotype feels so devastating. Other nonspeaking autistics are also making their perspectives on this disrespectful movie public, including thoughtful and eloquent statements that I won’t attempt to add to. But to my friends, I ask that you read my words and the words of my peers and allies and share our voices. That is all I want to say for now. Thank you for caring. I will share more links in the coming days.

The Ocean & Us Ep4: Danny & the Sea – An Autistic’s Adventure

It is my pleasure to share this episode with you. It is my adventure of falling in love with the ocean. From my first glimpse to my current journey of growing more and more confident in the sea, I share what the ocean means to me. Take care all! We will be back with more episodes after a restful start to the new year!

Info on the Philippines story here.

The Ocean & Us Ep3: Bright Future for Myanmar’s Coasts

The future looks so bright for Myanmar’s marine conservation community! Join us as we learn from the passionate and brilliant youths of the Myanmar Coastal Conservation Lab at Point B Design + Training! Yin Yin and Wint Hte share their lessons from their ambitious and wonder-filled work to bring marine conservation to other youths and to learn about marine mammals, plastic waste, and inclusion. And they share the thrill of discovery and learning to snorkel!

Learn about MCCL on their Facebook Page

Read about their marine mammal adventures here

The Ocean & Us Ep2: Hero of Malaysia’s Marine Mammals

We talked with wonder woman Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam about her inspiring work to study and conserve Malaysia’s marine mammals, the underdogs that are Indo-Pacific finless porpoises, the need to share knowledge with all, and how she manages to do it all! Learn about her team’s work here and on Facebook!

The Ocean & Us Ep 1: Welcome to Our Journey!

Hi Friends! Welcome to the Ocean and Us Podcast! I am Danny Whitty, a minimally-speaking autistic and apraxic human and ocean enthusiast. With my marine conservation researcher sister Tara, I am using my newly found voice to share the wonder of the ocean and how inclusion is important in enjoying and saving it!

Here is our introduction episode. Learn a little more about me, my voice, and what is coming up on the podcast! I am happy you are joining us!

Learn more here and subscribe to our YouTube channel here and social media below!

This episode was posted in late 2020, but we have been very slow to update this website 😛 Enjoy!

State of Disunion

Dear Friends,

I am so distraught over how many voted for hateful and unethical and greedy forces. It is so painful to my autistic soul. I have been so dysregulated over this, it feels like I am losing my mind.

I know it is not a surprise to the long-marginalized. But it is still heart-wrenching. Maybe I am too sensitive. But maybe it would be a better world if more were a little more sensitive to the hearts of others.

Your Friend,

Danny

Vote!

Tomorrow is Election Day here in the US! It is a little late to share this, but I had a rough few weeks. So here it is, the Spellers and Allies Advocacy Network’s voting blog!

Here is my main quote: “The upcoming election represents more than a partisan battle. It is about human rights and dignity! We are, as spellers, particularly familiar with the dangers of prejudice and bigotry against marginalized people. We who can vote should use our power to shape this country into a more equitable and empathetic and open-minded space. It is a right to cherish and use! If you are overwhelmed by all the options, many organizations post their recommendations and explanations for what to choose! See if organizations you trust and relate to have any such posts or any guides on their social media or websites.” Danny Whitty, Nonspeaking Member of S&A

Please vote if you are able to!

Words worth a listen: SpellX Nov7!

Hi friends! I encourage you to join this exciting event! It features nonspeakers like me sharing our voices. It will be fun, inspiring, and enlightening! My peers and I are excited to wow you!

My presentation is on friendship! Many friends collaborated with me, including Noah in the photo. I am so proud of the final product.

Next Saturday from 6-9 pm in 6 time zones, you can watch our beautiful words. It is free and public and you can register at the link!

More information here:

SpellX is a global, ground-breaking, salon style event, featuring short presentations (think TedX style format) by nonspeaking people who spell and type! SpellX will take place on November 7, from 6-9 pm in 6 virtual salons spanning 6 geographical regions/time zones making SpellX available to communities across the world and the spellerverse! Each salon will be hosted by nonspeaking and speaking emcees who will present recorded presentations from the spellers and interact with the audience.

Virtual salons will be held in:
North America – 6-9 EST
North America – 6-9 PST
South America – 6-9 GMT -3
Europe & UK – 6-9 GMT +1
South Africa – 6-9 GMT +2
South Pacific (NZ, AU) 6-9 GMT +13

Peace and Poetry 2 of 2

Hi again friends! Here are two more of my peace poems and my blurb about peace! Please scroll to see all of the featured works!

I am Danny Kentaro Whitty. I am full of hopes and visions for a more just and peaceful world. As a minimally- and unreliably-speaking autistic, I share these hopes and visions by letterboard. Our autistic experiences and perspectives offer important views on life and love. For me, I can say that my work can show others the wealth of compassion autistics feel despite the challenges we face.

Tears
Tears
for
them
run with angels.
They do not flood
our daily streets.
Yet they
crash and roar
all around the
hearts left
behind.

When will justice
arrive?
Where do their
legacies
rest?
When will it stop?

When we are
enlightened
and emboldened.
When we are
resolute
with the mission
to stand up
for what is right.
When we feel
those tears
as ours.

– Danny Whitty

To gather
What is my upper limit?
What can I tolerate?
What will it take
To survive
The hatred you produce?
The apathy you emit?
The cutthroat interests
That sway your ego?
How can I survive
When I am so lost
In the fray?
Only that in you
Which is true
Can turn
This tide.
That in you
Which is truly
Rooted in
Our common
Heart.
Together
Together
Together
To gather
Our future
Together.

– Danny Whitty