An Open Letter to Elle Magazine in response to: "All the Pretty People on Instagram are doing the "Headache {Migraine} Pose" Anyone need Advil?"

To the Editorial Staff at Elle Magazine,

I am writing you all today to encourage you to take down the recent article posted in the Beauty section of ELLE on June 26, 2018: "All the Pretty People on Instagram are doing the "Headache {Migraine} Pose" Anyone need Advil?".

Over 36 million Americans, many of which are your readers, struggle with migraine disease(American Migraine Foundation, 2018).  This article and it's contents directly impacts their lives by reaffirming subtle stigmas that impact the disabled community, and turning a neurological condition into a social media joke.

According to the article on ELLE.com, “it's damn flattering.” You go on to say, “There's a reason it's trending: The pose tightens the face.".  This is a perfect example of what stigma looks like when it comes to invisible disabilities like migraines.  Making light of a neurological disease that wreaks havoc in the lives of the millions of people.  The context of this article is especially disheartening as the publication occurred during  #migraineawarenessmonth.

June is #migraineawarenessmonth. I, personally, have suffered from migraines since I was 11 years old.  The diagnosis of migraine changed my life forever.  Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition that at this point in time has no cure.  For me personally, the journey, more than 14 years long, has been full of complex and dangerous treatments, hospitalizations, and years of heartbreak.  Even today, as I write you this letter, I have on special glasses to filter the computer light and my hands are shaking due to the pain of a migraine I have fought for 145 days.

If the “pretty people on Instagram”, at Elle, or even in the general public understood how serious migraine disease is, they would not be striking a pose. Instead, like many of my fellow advocates and pain warriors alike, they would be advocating for research funds, attending doctors’ appointments, researching new treatments, and trying to continue to live life despite these attacks.  Perhaps, they would share the reality of daily life with migraines.  These Instagram shots would include ice packs, medications, and other medical interventions that migrainuers use to cope.

Perhaps instead of making light of the intense suffering we go through daily, all of you at Elle could shine a light on this devastating condition that affects predominately women. Perhaps Elle Magazine could use their extensive platform to educate.

At the end of the day, my disability is not a hashtag for starlets.  It is my reality.

I hope that you all will consider taking down this article, and put up a new article that will educate your readers and followers on the reality of migraine disease.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like any more information on my personal journey with migraines.  I am willing to help in any way I can.

Truly,

Katelyn Pearson

Masters Social Work Student

Disability Accommodations Advocate

@the.technicolor.zebra

@techncolorzebra

the.technicolor.zebra@gmail.com