By Paul Hibbert
Paul Hibbert reflects on the hidden vulnerabilities that shape academic life but often remain unacknowledged, in this JMS Says Essay. Drawing on his own experiences as a gay man from a deprived background, whose identity was frequently misperceived, he highlights the struggles faced by those whose differences are invisible to others. Hibbert extends this discussion to vulnerabilities arising from neurodiversity, mental health challenges, precarity, and other personal circumstances, noting how such experiences can leave individuals feeling isolated or uncertain about when, or whether, to disclose them. He calls for greater awareness and sensitivity within academia to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
