Breaking Barriers & Owning Our Truth: Celebrating Jillian Mercado this Disability Pride Month

At Girls Chronically Rock, we love celebrating individuals who are breaking barriers, owning their truth, and inspiring others in the disability community. This Disability Pride Month, we’re especially proud to shine a spotlight on someone who has been a personal inspiration to me and so many others: Jillian Mercado, a trailblazing model, activist, and advocate who has redefined what it means to be seen and celebrated in the fashion industry.

When I was first diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, I remember feeling scared, confused, and unsure of what my future would look like. Questions swirled in my mind: Will I still be able to pursue my dreams? Will anyone understand what I’m going through? Will I still feel beautiful, powerful, and worthy?

Then I came across Jillian online, and everything shifted.

Here was a woman of color, like me, living with muscular dystrophy and absolutely thriving in the world of fashion. In that moment, I felt heard. I thought to myself: Wow, there are others like me. I belong here too.

Jillian’s confidence and determination showed me what was possible. She didn’t let stereotypes, accessibility barriers, or others’ limited expectations hold her back. Instead, she claimed her space, boldly and unapologetically, and made room for others to follow.

She has graced the covers of magazines, walked major runways, appeared in global campaigns for brands like Diesel and Beyoncé’s Ivy Park, and used her platform to advocate for the representation of disabled people everywhere. Through her work, Jillian has helped rewrite the narrative, proving that disability and beauty, disability and success, disability and fashion are not mutually exclusive.

Her presence in the industry sends a powerful message:

We deserve to be seen. We deserve to take up space. We deserve to thrive.

And she’s not just modeling clothes, she’s modeling possibility.

For me, seeing Jillian was more than just a moment of recognition; it was a moment of empowerment. It reminded me that my journey mattered. That my dreams were valid. That I could create something meaningful, which is exactly why I started Girls Chronically Rock.

💬 We want to hear from YOU too!

This Disability Pride Month, we invite you to join the conversation:

✨ Who inspires you?

✨ How are you wearing your truth with confidence?

Reply to this post, email us, or tag us on Instagram @GirlsChronicallyRockclothing and share your story. You might even be featured in an upcoming newsletter or social media post!

Together, we can continue to uplift and amplify the incredible voices in our community, because representation matters, and every story helps break down barriers for the next person.

Thank you for rocking with us. Let’s keep making history, one story, one shirt, one moment at a time.

With pride & love,

💖 Keisha & the Girls Chronically Rock Team