Today we’d like to introduce you to Gailina
Hi Gailina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Gailina! (Gae-Lina or Lina for short) I recently graduated with a BBA in marketing and am a comedian, digital creator, musician, and disability advocate from the east side of Oklahoma City, OK, now living in San Antonio as of May 2024.
I was paralyzed from the chest down in January of 2020 and it’s stopped absolutely nothing. Without having access to physical therapy, today I’m able to walk short distances with a cane after being told I may never walk again. I believe that a large part of my healing has come from my everlasting optimism and absence of self doubt.
After being paralyzed I enrolled myself back into college, started my own business, released my first music video, grew my social media accounts to over half a million followers collectively with my witty personality, relatability, dark humor, and disability advocacy, and I’ll soon be starring in a children’s book exploring the history of people with disabilities who have done extraordinary things. I’m hoping that people can look at my story, what I’ve gone through, and what I’ve achieved and be inspired and motivated to push forward and excel.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I never felt sad or discouraged when I was first informed about my paralyzation, because I always knew I would walk again and inspire millions of people from the very beginning. However, my boyfriend at the time completely ghosted me, which was definitely my lowest point during recovery, or in life really. Although it was a painful time, that heartbreak helped me produce some really good music, so for that reason, oh well things happen. I also lost friends along the way, of course (like 15 year long friendships). Sadly, most of us who become injured do, but I look at it as a blessing in disguise. The worst part about my injury would have to be incontinence, which is the inability to control your bladder or bowel movements. I talk a lot and joke a lot about my incontinence online to help normalize it and show others who struggle with it that they’re not alone and shouldn’t feel ashamed. In addition to that, I educate my audience about the use of adult diapers, catheters, enemas, and procedures such as bladder botox that help with incontinence. One thing I realized is that many of us who become disabled never get the resources or information we need to help us live a better life, so I’m always sure to share everything I learn.
Of course since becoming disabled I’ve had to deal with the fact that this world wasn’t built for those of us with disabilities. As a disability advocate I’ve had to call the local news to my university and my apartment complex because of noncompliance with ADA regulations. I make sure I also use my platform to speak up for others and show them how they can speak up for themselves.
These are just a few things that have contributed to this bumpy road. Although it hasn’t been very smooth, I wouldn’t change what happened to me for the world. It’s a blessing to have as big as an impact as I’ve had on both the able bodied and disabled community simply by sharing my story. I also don’t mind the VIP parking, skipping lines, and the special treatment because people feel bad for me LOL
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I supposed I’m most known for my comedy. I’m not too quick to label myself as a comedian because that feels awkward to me (and I also think people will expect me to be funny 24/7), but comedy and content creation is mostly what I do on my page. My charisma, dark humor, relatability, realness, and transparency is what sets me apart from others. I also provide a lot of education while simultaneously being funny. I educate people about invisible disabilities, ambulatory wheelchair users (people who have the ability to walk, but still need a wheelchair on occasion), and incontinence. In addition to that, I own a clothing line called I Dream, I Go that I created in 2022 with a mission to inspire people to overcome adversity and accomplish their dreams.
How do you think about happiness?
Feeling fulfilled makes me happy, and what makes me feel fulfilled is making others happy. Whether that be with my comedy, advocacy, or generosity. Knowing that I am making someone’s day better or life easier truly puts a smile on my face.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://idreamigo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealgailina/profilecard/?igsh=ejNtNjdrbjYzMWo5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100046117431483&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealgailina?si=Rz4nBhecHyyBUepB
