A new viral hashtag, #DisabledCompliments, is making the rounds on Twitter with another reminder that no, disabled people aren’t here to be an example of how “blessed” you are, and yes, your “compliment” is straight-up ableism — and offensive.

Writer and advocate Imani Barbarin, who has started many viral disability-related hashtags, set out to use the voices of disabled people to bring attention to one of the more innocuous ways people with disabilities are erased in everyday conversations — “compliments.”

“Conversations around #DisabledCompliments are first and foremost meant to build community with other disabled people who may not always have the opportunity to be heard or believed,” Barbarin told The Mighty in an email, continuing:

Secondly, I would hope that we as a society take a hard look at the way our ‘compliments’ speak to deeper biases and stereotypes around disabled people and bodies. Many posted fall within a theme of ‘you should not exist’ which then leads me to believe that when it comes to inclusion of disabled people, it is really just talk. Often, disabled people can tell a lot about their interaction with a non disabled person from the words they try to pass off as a compliment. It speaks greater about who they are then the disabled person they’re talking to.

On Saturday, Barbarin started the #DisabledCompliments hashtag with some real-talk about some of the most ableist comments disabled people get.

“Like, no, I don’t see you as disabled. You don’t have that disabled mindset, you know?!” Barbarin wrote.

“Like, no, I don’t see you as disabled. You don’t have that disabled mindset, you know?!” ????#DisabledCompliments — Crutches&Spice ♿️ Crutch Girl Summer (@Imani_Barbarin) June 29, 2019

The hashtag quickly picked up steam before going viral and reaching trending status. Many used the hashtag to share some of the “compliments” they received from others, which range from clueless to outright cruel and hurtful.

“You’re a reminder from god that I am truly blessed.” #DisabledCompliments — Crutches&Spice ♿️ Crutch Girl Summer (@Imani_Barbarin) June 29, 2019

"You probably don't need to walk with a cane anymore. If you just tried, you'd see." If I'm walking with it, I need it. #DisabledCompliments — Erin Gratton (@ErinEGratton) July 1, 2019

Semi-stranger: You’re lucky you don’t have to work out! Me: Actually, I have a medical condition. Usually experiencing chronic pain. Semi-Stranger: At least you look healthy. Me: Near constant pain though…. Semi-Stranger: Have you tried mediation? #DisabledCompliments — amy gaeta (@GaetaAmy) July 1, 2019

“i don’t think of you as disabled” is the same as saying “i’m not going to consider any accessibility issues you have because it’s easier for me to ignore them”#DisabledCompliments https://t.co/ivNFZcPoe6 — martha (@witchyqueer) July 1, 2019

"Why are you buying good food or things you enjoy? It's OUR hard earned tax money that pays your rent." This comment is frankly why I feel guilty every time I enjoy something for a second. #DisabledCompliments — Inspector Crispy (@Omac_Toastman) June 29, 2019

"You drive that thing (my wheelchair) so well." #disabledcompliments — Robyn Powell (@RobynMPowell) July 1, 2019

People who’ve read my memoir or columns or somehow otherwise learned I have bipolar often compliment my husband of 15+ yrs for not leaving me. I shit you not. Or they tell me how lucky I am to have him w/o ever considering he might be lucky to have me too. #DisabledCompliments — Melody Moezzi (@MelodyMoezzi) June 30, 2019

"Personally, I couldn't marry anyone with a disability. Your husband is amazing. I'm so glad you have someone to look after you".#DisabledCompliments Yes, someone did say that to me! :-/ — Helen Sims (@Nelsims411) July 1, 2019

Stranger: omg you're so tough. If I were you I'd have given up by now.

Me: tried that, got bored-

Stranger: or maybe even killed myself.

Me: also tried that, you insensitive fuck.#DisabledCompliments — Diary of a Disabled Person. (@WheelsofSteer) June 29, 2019

#DisabledCompliments But you look so good. I have MS. Can’t judge the outside by what’s going on inside. pic.twitter.com/qmb8mjZqkl — Lori-Jo Carroll (@Harmoney12) June 29, 2019

#DisabledCompliments “You’re an inspiration” from someone I’ve never met and has no idea who I am or what I’m about ???????????? — Hollie-Anne Brooks ♿️ (@HollieAnneB) June 29, 2019

Me: gets out of my wheelchair to ease pain

Male: "wow you are quite attractive when you stand up aren't you?"#DisabledCompliments pic.twitter.com/0mQyLMwcts — Beverley Butterfly???? (@bloomingmindxx) June 29, 2019

Barbarin’s #DisabledCompliments hashtag created a space that centers and empowers the voices of people with disabilities. As Amy (Twitter user @GaetaAmy) told The Mighty via email:

This hashtag is important on multiple levels because it disproves many dominant stereotypes about disabled people including that we need validation from strangers, we’re inherently unhappy, and we don’t know our own worth. The hashtag brings the disabled community together through humor and relatability. It also brings to light how good intentions can be undercut with unintended unintended hurtful ableism.

Join the conversation by posting the #DisabledCompliments you’ve received on Twitter or here on The Mighty’s platform. You can also share your thoughts in the comments below.