Perspective
Model Gemma Adby, 26, born with a left arm limb difference, thinks more of the millions of #GRWM (‘Get Ready With Me’) social posts should feature disabled people
Iwas born with a limb difference. I often describe myself as a one-armed girl in a twoarmed world. Growing up, my generation didn’t see disabled people in pop culture – even though 14.6 million people with disabilities currently live in the UK. I never saw any role models like me and I seemed ‘different’ to my peers. Without access to social media back then, I had no one like me to look up to. That made me feel like I wanted to hide my disability.
I love fashion, but for years my wardrobe was based around my arm. I hid under baggy clothes and my search history on every fashion site was ‘long-sleeved’. Going shopping was bittersweet, I loved what was trending, but wouldn’t buy things unless they covered my arm. It feels weird to think that now, but I couldn’t leave the house without my arm covered back then. People would stare, and the insecurity and anxiety was too much.
I was nervous to start social media, because you’re really putting yourself out there in a vulnerable way. I kept seeing ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos on my feed – where people film how they get dressed and ready for the day – but never any GRWMs by disabled babes. I wanted to change that. I cautiously posted my first video in summer 2022 and I couldn’t believe how quickly it blew up – it got 700k views on TikTok. The response was amazing. Knowing that disabled people of all ages, especially women, could watch my videos and
