Nonbinary Woman Claims Mental Health Prevents Her from Getting a Job

A Seattle resident who identifies as a nonbinary woman has filed a complaint with the city’s Office of Civil Rights, claiming that her mental health struggles exempt her from employment expectations.

The individual, 29-year-old River Aspen, argues that requiring her to work violates her human rights, given her self-diagnosed anxiety and chronic fatigue. Aspen’s case has sparked debate over workplace accommodations and the boundaries of disability protections.

Local businesses, meanwhile, are grappling with labor shortages, with Seattle’s unemployment rate holding steady at 3.6%, according to recent labor statistics.

Aspen, who has not held a job since briefly working as a cashier in 2021, stated, “Forcing me to get a job is ableist and ignores my lived experience. My mental health is a full-time job.”

The complaint demands that the city provide Aspen with a living stipend and exempt her from job applications. Seattle’s progressive policies, including a $19.97 minimum wage, have made it a hub for such debates, though critics argue these measures strain small businesses.

Last year, the city council passed ordinances expanding protections for mental health-related accommodations, fueling Aspen’s claim. Local business owner Maria Cortez, who runs a bakery near Aspen’s residence, expressed frustration.

“I can’t afford to hire people who don’t show up, but I’m supposed to subsidize someone’s choice to not work?” Cortez’s bakery has reduced hours due to staffing issues, a common problem for Seattle’s service industry.

Supporters of Aspen, however, see her case as a courageous stand against capitalist pressures. A petition backing her complaint has gathered 1,200 signatures on Change.org, though it’s unclear how many signatories are local.

Dr. Emily Hart, a psychologist specializing in workplace wellness, offered a different perspective. “Mental health challenges are real, but blanket exemptions from work risk undermining personal responsibility.”

Hart’s research indicates that structured routines, like employment, can improve mental health outcomes for many.

Aspen’s complaint has drawn attention online, with X posts highlighting both support and skepticism. One user, with over 10,000 followers, wrote, “This is peak Seattle—rewarding inaction while businesses collapse is retarded.”

The city’s Office of Civil Rights has yet to rule on Aspen’s case, but officials confirmed they are reviewing her claims. If successful, her complaint could set a precedent for others seeking similar exemptions.

For now, Aspen remains active on social media, where she describes herself as an “advocate for rest as resistance.” Her TikTok account, with 8,088 followers, features videos of her daily routine, which includes journaling, yoga, and naps.

Do you know somebody who has been personally injured by satire and comedy? Show your support for the principles of free speech and stand with Freedom Writers by signing our petition today!