I have privilege based on the fact that I’m able-bodied, cis-gender, straight, relatively well off financially, and white, among other things. That means that I get specific benefits at the expense of others. I didn’t earn them; I get them just by virtue of being those things.

For example, being able-bodied, I don’t have to worry when I go to places that they might not be able to accommodate me in some way. I enjoy this privilege at the expense of the disabled people around me, since stores, restaurants, and most homes, are designed with the non-disabled person’s body in mind. If you are free from disabilities, you have able-bodied privilege. 

Because I am cisgender, I have the privilege of using a public restroom without fear of violence and people not randomly asking about my genitals. If you are not a transgender person, you have cisgender privilege.

Because I’m straight, I’ve never had to explain my sexuality, "come out” to anyone or worry about if others will or won’t accept me based on to whom I'm attracted. If you identify as straight, you have straight privilege.

Because I’m white, I don't have to wonder if people might be treating me differently because of my skin color. I'm also never asked to speak for my entire race on any topic. If you are a white person, and sometimes you only have to pass as a white person, you have white privilege.

Because the family I was born into has a certain amount of financial stability, I've never worried where my next meal might come from, and I was able to have the education and resources I needed to better myself even further. If you've never been hungry or homeless, you have wealth privilege.

This is just a small sampling of the benefits I receive due to my unearned privilege. How many of these do you relate to? Let’s talk about it! Email me at tara@tarabledesigns.com.