If I Were You, I'd Kill Myself

An unapologetic, hilarious, and triumphant debut memoir about the inequality those in the disabled community face on a daily basis from a valued voice and TikTok star Imani Barbarin.
Imani was two years old when she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a congenital disorder and motor disability that affected her ability to walk without the aid of crutches. Because of her condition, Imani has spent her life enduring unsolicited and audacious comments from able-bodied people who find her presence discomforting.
Whether she’s reminded that she’s “inspiring” for existing, “pretty for a disabled girl,” or that she’s “brave” because if they were her, they’d “kill themselves,” Imani understands that the compliments intended to make her feel better about herself actually inspires a deep pity for the person who believes themselves to be doing her a favor. If I Were You, I’d Kill Myself is a sardonically witty, candid, and incisive memoir that views contemporary issues through a queer disabled lens.

Imani Barbarin is a writer, public speaker, TikToker, and disability rights activist from the Philadelphia area. She holds a master’s degree in global communications from the American University of Paris. Her published works include those in Forbes, Rewire, Healthline, BitchMedia, and more.