I am 33 and just learned I was autistic a year ago. I'm a genderqueer (she/her) pansexual, mentally (ch)ill disabled stay-at-home mama to three boys, ages 4, 3, and 1. My spare time is dedicated to streaming my art and two games I play (Smite and Minecraft). I have drawn since my preschool years and always had a fascination with art. I taught myself to draw by pausing my Disney video tapes and drawing what was on the screen. I struggled in high school but ended up getting a scholarship to pursue art education. I got my degree with K12 Art Education and taught a year before having to go on disability due to my deteriorating mental health. I started streaming when I went on disability, after my husband urged me that I needed a good, solid hobby to focus on. I've been going strong since 2012! I use my platforms to spread mental health and autism awareness by talking openly about my life, and by starting up convos on mental health. I struggle with a lot of social anxiety and overstimulation, and oftentimes am more of a lurker/media poster vs chatter — but get me talking about one of my special interests and you may find that I won't shut up, ha! Life is a struggle for me but I take each day as it comes. I love, love, love to draw portraiture.

I #LivetoTell because giving up is not an option. Mental health matters!