In a world that often demands conformity, Sulaiman Khan shows us that existing authentically can be an act of resistance. In a recent Lumos Community Chat, Sulaiman—an unapologetically disabled, queer, Pakistani changemaker—shared profound reflections on love, interdependence, and embracing disability as a source of wisdom. Through his powerful words, Sulaiman illuminated how we can move beyond societal expectations to find liberation in connection and self-worth.
Existing in Love
Sulaiman’s opening remarks set the tone for the conversation, grounding us in the reality that simply existing in love is, for many, a radical act. Reflecting on his lived experience, he shared:
“It’s quite a radical act to exist in love, to do things through love. For me, I don’t have any other choice but to exist how I do. It’s not easy to exist in love in this world. My entire existence—from my first breath to my last—is political. Many of us, whether women, Black folks, disabled folks, or queer folks, don’t have the luxury of not being political.”
In a world where every breath, every action is political, Sulaiman’s words compel us to ask: if everything we do is political, why not choose love? To exist in love is to resist the systems that seek to disconnect and dehumanize—and to ground ourselves in something transformative.
Infinite Imagination Within Limitations
For Sulaiman, disability is not a limitation but a doorway to creativity and connection. Reflecting on the narratives often imposed on disabled people, he shared:
“I always say to people, I have infinite imagination within limitations. Because I understand that actually, disability doesn’t confine me. It does define me, but it doesn’t confine me. It allows me to show up as my full self.”
Sulaiman pushes back against harmful tropes like “overcoming disability” or the “disability paradox,” which suggest that success requires transcending disability. Instead, he reframes these narratives as deeply dangerous, explaining:
“We all understand that disability, like race, is a social construct, but that doesn’t mean we have to erase our disabled identity. Often, not-yet-disabled folks will say, ‘Oh, disability is a social construct,’ and act as though it means we must cure or fix disability—or worse, avoid even saying the word. No, no thank you.”
Sulaiman’s words challenge us to confront the discomfort and stigma surrounding disability. By rejecting erasure and embracing identity, he invites us to imagine a world where limitations spark creativity, not exclusion, and where identity is a source of power, not shame.
Joy and Grief: Two Sides of the Same Coin
For Sulaiman, joy and grief are inseparable companions, each giving depth and meaning to the other. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“It’s okay because there’s no joy without grief, and there’s no grief without joy. And for me, that’s what this is teaching me. It’s okay. I can’t go protest. It’s okay that I can’t exist in the way that people want me to do this. You know, you’re just showing up for each other in this space, right? Holding, saying, ‘How is your heart today?’ Like saying, ‘How can I help you today?’”
Sulaiman sees these simple acts—checking in with one another, making space to hold the full spectrum of emotions—as acts of resistance. He reminds us that love, and particularly the love rooted in disability, teaches us to embrace the complexity of our feelings.
The Universe Inside Us: A Path to Self-Worth
Sulaiman closed with a profound reminder of our intrinsic value, a truth he holds close even in the face of societal marginalization:
“You don’t have to force people to love you because you are loved by all of us. The world loves you, the universe loves you. Do not feel lonely. The entire universe is inside you.”
These words call us to trust in our inherent worth, finding strength in the knowledge that we belong to something greater.
A Call to Connection
Sulaiman Khan’s reflections challenge us to rethink our understanding of love, disability, and interdependence. His message is clear: by embracing vulnerability and leaning into community, we can create spaces where everyone is seen, valued, and supported.
If this conversation resonates with you, consider joining us in the Lumos Community. Together, we explore the intersections of healing, justice, and transformation, holding space for the radical care that Sulaiman so beautifully embodies. Your first month is free, offering you the opportunity to delve deeper into these vital conversations.
