Day 16. Maysoon Zayid Comedy as a Platform for Change.
“I have cerebral palsy. I shake all the time. I’m like Shakira meets Muhammad Ali.”
— Maysoon Zayid
Today, as part of our 30 Days of Honoring Arab American Visionaries, Innovators, & Cultural Icons, we celebrate Maysoon Zayid—a trailblazing comedian, actress, and disability advocate. As one of the first female Muslim comedians in the U.S. and a proud Palestinian American, Maysoon uses her humor and wit to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and advocate for disability representation in media.
Laughing Through Adversity
Maysoon was born in New Jersey to Palestinian parents and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Growing up, she faced bullying and discrimination, but she found solace and empowerment in performance and comedy. After graduating from Arizona State University, she pursued a career in stand-up comedy, determined to redefine what disability looks like on stage.
In 2003, Zayid made history as a co-founder of the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival, which continues to be a vital platform for Arab American comedians. Her stand-up sets combine humor with hard-hitting social commentary, highlighting the intersections of disability, gender, ethnicity, and identity.
Advocacy Through Laughter
Maysoon Zayid’s TED Talk, “I Got 99 Problems… Palsy is Just One”, has garnered millions of views and has become one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time. In it, she discusses her life experiences, blending personal stories with sharp comedy to deliver a message of resilience and self-acceptance.
As an advocate, she’s vocal about the lack of disability representation in entertainment, often challenging the industry to cast disabled actors in disabled roles. Beyond comedy, Maysoon is an activist for Palestinian rights and works to empower disabled youth through educational programs and mentorship.
Words of Wisdom
One of Maysoon’s most memorable quotes reflects her unwavering determination: “If there’s a wall, I’m gonna climb it. If there’s a gate, I’m gonna open it. If there’s a ceiling, I’m gonna break it.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that humor can be a tool for both healing and advocacy. Through her comedy and activism, Maysoon Zayid is paving the way for future generations to embrace their identities unapologetically.
Where to Learn More About Maysoon Zayid
📚 Books & Talks:
- TED Talk: I Got 99 Problems… Palsy is Just One
- Find Another Dream Audiobook on Audible
🎥 Comedy Specials & Performances:
🌐 Follow Maysoon Zayid
- Instagram @maysoonzayid
- Twitter @maysoonzayid
- Official Website
Reflection
Maysoon’s story challenges us to think about how we can use our own platforms—whether through art, advocacy, or community work—to create spaces of inclusion and understanding.
💬 How has Maysoon’s story inspired you?
💬 Why does Maysoon’s use of humor work so well in her advocacy and activism?
Join us tomorrow as we explore the work of an Oscar-winning Arab American actor.
Learn more: The Cerebral Palsy Foundation highlights Maysoon’s impact on Cerebral Palsy awareness and on the latest efforts by the foundation.
#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #30DaysOfHonoringArabAmericans #ArabAmerican #ArabAmericanHeritageMonth #ComedyForChange #RepresentationMatters
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