Alice Wong, a prominent advocate for disability rights and accomplished writer, has passed away at the age of 51. She succumbed to an infection at a San Francisco hospital on Friday, as confirmed by her close friend Sandy Ho, who has been in contact with Wong’s family.
Described by Ho as a leading figure in the disability justice movement, Wong dedicated her life to advocating for the autonomy and freedom of individuals with disabilities, particularly those from marginalized communities such as people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants. Born to Hong Kong immigrants, Wong lived with muscular dystrophy and relied on a powered wheelchair and assistive breathing device.
In a poignant statement shared by Ho on social media, Wong reflected on her unexpected journey into writing and activism, attributing her success to supportive friendships and teachers who believed in her. She emphasized the importance of sharing stories about diverse cultures and experiences within the disability community.
Throughout her career, Wong championed the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the community, striving to dismantle institutional barriers. Her impactful contributions included authored books, editing projects, and the establishment of the Disability Visibility Project blog, which amplified the voices and narratives of individuals with disabilities.
Known for her wit and humor, Wong’s memoir “Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life” not only entertained readers with its comedic anecdotes but also humanized the experience of living with a disability. Her lasting legacy, according to Ho, is the empowerment of individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves and assert their own narratives.
Wong’s remarkable achievements were recognized when she was named a fellow of the prestigious John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2024, receiving the esteemed “genius grant.” Prior to her passing, Wong expressed disappointment over the discontinuation of her column, Disability Visibility, at Teen Vogue, lamenting the loss of a platform that regularly showcased the work of disabled journalists.