Content creators Hannah and Shane Burcaw are famous for sharing the realities of their relationship online, boasting more than 1.5 million followers on Instagram alone. Through their popular YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs, the pair — who’ve been together for over a decade — raise awareness about interabled couples and the misconceptions and stigma they regularly face.
While they invite curiosity and regularly create satirical videos about the bizarre assumptions made about their marriage, sometimes the comments go too far. This week, a photo on their Instagram page reached the wrong side of the internet, prompting Mrs Burcaw to slam a flood of harassment.
While some of the remarks were too vile to share, many users questioned the legitimacy of the couple’s marriage, accusing Mrs Burcaw of being in it for financial reasons or clout. But the 30-year-old shut them down with the perfect response, telling the ‘incel’ trolls to “unbunch their knickers”. “I see this post has gone viral in the incel community,” she wrote on the viral Instagram post. “No need to get your undies bunched, boys. One big reason Shane has a wife and you don’t is that he doesn’t spend his time leaving desperate comments on other couple’s posts.” Thousands flocked to the comment section in praise of the fierce take-down. “I wish these men understood how unattractive their behaviour is,” one person agreed. “I hate that you get so many negative comments … it’s so disheartening. Never stop sharing your love story,” said a second. “I have immense respect for the fact that true love still exists — I wish you all the happiness in the world,” added a third.
Breaking down the stigma Like many interabled couples, the Burcaws are forced to constantly dodge cruel accusations from people who struggle to understand their relationship. For starters, Mrs Burcaw is routinely mistaken for Shane’s nurse or caregiver in public. Trolls also frequently comment that their relationship lacks romance or intimacy — an assumption the couple constantly defies. In fact, the couple has never shied away from discussing their physical relationship, using their platform to answer questions about their sex life.
Mrs Burcaw has previously shared that they have a completely normal and fulfilling intimate life, shutting down anyone who suggests otherwise. “Shane is the funniest and most thoughtful person I know,” Mrs Burcaw said of her husband. The couple also openly discusses their future family plans to normalise disabled parenthood. “We have gone through IVF,” she shared recently.
Despite the relentless negativity from a vocal minority, the couple continues to use their platform to educate and showcase that love doesn’t look just one way.