We are far more than just “nerve cells,” and even our DNA is shaped by our environment (see epigenetics). Must one embody every single trait of a character they create? Of course not. But does having shared life experience with a fictional character significantly reduce your likelihood of misrepresenting communities vastly different than one’s own? Without a doubt. I have read way too much literature (including academic lit) produced by people appropriating my communities (disabled, Mad, formerly homeless, drug user, sex worker) to not be wary of the impetus to produce trauma porn for shock value and little else.