Hi there, I’m Bloom! I’m Deaf and feel extremely lucky to be so! 💪
This past Tuesday was National ASL Day, and I wanted to take a moment to tell you how Deaf (not deaf) people feel about Deafness. Let’s talk about…
✨ Deaf Gain ✨
Have you heard that phrase before? Let’s talk about what it really means to be Deaf—and why so many of us are proud to be part of the Deaf community. 💙
"Wait… don't you mean hearing loss?"
Nope! Deaf people don’t see it as a loss, but as a gain! 😄
Sometimes, people say things like “hearing loss,” as if Deaf people are missing something. But the thing is, we’re not missing anything! Deafness is not a disability: I can do everything hearing people can do, including have access to language—ASL!
When thinking about Deafness, we think of what we gain—not what we “lose.” That’s why we call it Deaf Gain. It means being Deaf gives us something extra special 💫
🌱 Where did the term “Deaf Gain” come from?
The phrase “Deaf Gain” was coined in 2005 by a Deaf artist named Aaron Williamson. He started losing his hearing as an adult and went to many doctors who all said the same thing: “You’re losing your hearing.”
But no one ever said:
“You’re gaining your Deafness.”
And that made him stop and think. 🤔 He realized that becoming Deaf wasn’t about losing something—it was about gaining a whole new way of being, thinking, and connecting. 💭 😁
His idea helped inspire many people in the Deaf community to reframe the conversation—so instead of focusing on what’s “lost,” we focus on everything that’s gained. 🌟
🌸 Here's how I explain it:
The other day, I met a super curious and kind hearing person, and we had this conversation:
- Is it hard being Deaf?
- Not at all! I’m not missing anything—I’m gaining so much! 🌟
- Really? Like what? 😮
- I gained a beautiful language—ASL. I gained a community of people who understand me. I gained a culture full of creativity and pride. I even see the world in a different way—through my eyes, hands, and facial expressions.
- Wow… I never thought about it like that, Deafness is indeed a Gain!
🧡 Deaf Gain = Pride, not pity
Some people think Deaf folks need to be “fixed.” But nope—we are perfect just as we are. Being Deaf isn’t something to be ashamed of. It’s something to be celebrated! 🎉
We see the world with our eyes, hands, and hearts. That’s a superpower, don’t you think? 🦸🏼 🚀
🌍 You’re part of Deaf Gain too!
Did you know that you are helping spread Deaf Gain, by learning ASL and about Deaf culture? ✨
Every time you learn a new sign…
Every time you tell someone Deaf people have their own amazing language…
Every time you celebrate ASL and Deaf culture…
You’re helping the world see that Deaf people are strong, brilliant, and full of gain—not “loss.” 💪💙
Start learning ASL, start learning about Deaf culture, and sign with confidence—and joy!
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