Lily Rosenberg is using wrestling to take on Down syndrome stereotypes
Rosenberg, a Toronto model, is part of a Canadian Down Syndrome Society campaign pushing back on stereotypes.
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Lily Rosenberg, a professional model with Down syndrome from Toronto, is one of three self-advocates leading the Canadian Down Syndrome Society's "Not Without Us!" campaign. The campaign uses wrestling as a metaphor for tackling stereotypes, and each self-advocate performs under a wrestling persona. Rosenberg's is Lily "The Model" Rosenberg.
Rosenberg has been modelling since the age of six, appeared in a documentary at DOC NYC, the United States' biggest documentary film festival, and studied at Humber College. She says many people assume she cannot go to college or live independently because of her condition. "I'm trying to break down the barriers for people who have Down syndrome. We're able to go to college, we're able to go out in the community and live independently; we just need the opportunities to shine," she said.
Her message to audiences is direct. "Society shouldn't believe everything they see on social media before getting to know us. I'm showing society that people with Down syndrome are capable, and to give opportunities for all." On beauty, she said, "We're showing that everybody is beautiful. It's not about your body shape or your ability; we should be accepting of everyone."
The campaign's three self-advocates are Rosenberg, entrepreneur Jacob Stretton and content creator Jasmine Ankamah. Canadian Down Syndrome Society executive director Laura LaChance says the conversation about people with Down syndrome often happens around them, not with them, and the campaign aims to change that. The campaign's own material says over one-third of Canadians with disabilities report barriers linked to misconceptions.
