About me

Welcome! My name is Daryl and I have lived in Cape Town, South Africa, for most of my life. I am gay, but I did not “come out” about my sexuality until 2011, at the age of 23, as I had struggled to reconcile it with my Christianity and my desire for social acceptance.

In 2012 I moved to England to study for a post-graduate degree and in September 2013 I tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a London Underground train. As a result, I suffered traumatic bilateral transfemoral amputations, meaning that both my legs were severed mid-thigh, so I am now a full-time wheelchair-user.

About this blog

I always find it encouraging to hear stories from other people who are disabled, who suffer from depression, or who have overcome internal conflict about their sexuality. It is my hope that this blog will be able to offer some comfort and support to others who go through experiences similar to my own. Knowing that you are not alone in what you are feeling and that there is a way through it is always heartening. My intention is not to use this blog for personal therapy and catharsis (I have a neglected diary for that), so please let me know if it ever seems like I am focusing too much on my own personal issues without providing any value to you, my readers. I would also love to know if there is a specific topic you would like me to address. Please go to the Contact page for details on how to get in touch.

More about me

Like many idealists, I can be naïve at times. Like many realists, I can be pessimistic at times. Like many people, I am a defining bundle of contradictions, loose ends, awkward moments, anecdotes and cautionary tales. The constants in my life are friends, faith, music, chocolate, theatre, lists, literature and learning.

If you would like to know more about my personal story, including my depression, my disability or my sexuality, please check out the Introducing… category of posts in the list on the right. Alternatively, feel free to explore the blog. Thanks for reading!