A Life Dedicated to Intentionality and Justice

Alice Wong lived a life guided by intention, prioritizing meaningful connections and unwavering advocacy. As she wrote in a Time essay last year, “What I will do is spend my time, energy, and labor intentionally with the people I care about.” This philosophy permeated every aspect of her work and relationships, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Championing Palestinian Liberation

Wong’s commitment to justice extended beyond the disability rights movement. She was a vocal and dedicated supporter of Palestinian liberation, recognizing the interconnectedness of struggles against oppression. On her Disability Visibility Project website, she powerfully articulated the link between genocide and disability, stating in 2023, “I know that genocide is a mass disabling event and a form of eugenics.”

Driven by this conviction, Wong co-founded Crips for eSims for Gaza alongside Jane Shi and Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. This initiative has raised over three million dollars to provide internet access to Palestinians in Gaza, a crucial lifeline for communication and access to information.

The MacArthur “Genius” Grant and Unflinching Advocacy

In 2024, Wong was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as a “genius” grant. She used the platform to further amplify her message of solidarity with Palestine, writing: “I stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle for freedom and self determination… Disabled liberation is intertwined with the liberation of all people.”

Her unwavering stance drew criticism from some, with calls for the grant to be rescinded. However, as her friend Yomi Young recounted, Wong remained resolute, refusing to back down from her principles. The grant also provided crucial financial independence, allowing her to access the support needed for daily living, as highlighted by Rebecca Cokley in The Nation.

#CripTheVote and Challenging Systemic Barriers

Wong’s activism extended to domestic policy, co-creating the #CripTheVote movement with Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan. This initiative aimed to foster dialogue within the disability community and engage politicians on issues affecting disabled people. She also passionately opposed mask bans, arguing in a Teen Vogue article that masks have become “the unsightly marker of deviant individuals: the sick, the immunocompromised, the disabled, and the protester.” She lent her support to Proposition 50 in California, a measure that passed shortly before her death.

What does true accessibility look like in a world still grappling with ableism? And how can we ensure that the voices of disabled people are not only heard but actively centered in policy decisions?

A Mentor and Inspiration

For many emerging disability journalists, including this writer, Alice Wong was a generous mentor and champion. She consistently amplified the work of others, fostering a sense of community and trust. She invited me to contribute to the Disability Visibility Project, providing a platform for my voice and helping to build my career.

Stories abound of Wong’s warmth and directness. Journalist Steven Thrasher recounted a touching anecdote of Wong offering him cookies even when she herself could no longer eat, responding to his concerns about weight loss with a characteristic “EAT THE FUCKING COOKIES!!!!”

Her final public appearance was at a panel discussion for the documentary Life After, where she powerfully stated, “Ableism is everywhere… and it rears its head in legislation and the way society is constructed, interlocked with white supremacy.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Alice Wong

• Who was Alice Wong and why is she important?

  Alice Wong was a disability rights activist, writer, and advocate for Palestinian liberation. She is important for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her powerful voice within the disability community.

• What was the #CripTheVote movement?

  #CripTheVote was a movement co-created by Alice Wong to foster discussion among disabled people about political issues and engage with politicians directly.

• What is the Disability Visibility Project?

  The Disability Visibility Project is a website founded by Alice Wong that aims to center disabled perspectives and experiences.

• How did Alice Wong support Palestinians in Gaza?

  Alice Wong co-founded Crips for eSims for Gaza, which has raised over three million dollars to provide internet access to Palestinians, and consistently spoke out in support of Palestinian liberation.

• What was Alice Wong’s stance on mask mandates?

  Alice Wong strongly opposed mask bans, arguing that they disproportionately harm disabled and immunocompromised individuals who rely on masks for protection.