> zero evidence besides a self-reported experience

There are clear differences in brain scans [1].

[1] https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2025/01/mind-blindness...

Also differences in pupil dilation when asked to imagine scenes [0].

[0] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9018072/

I'm on your side of the argument, but while that research may be evidence, it's not definitive proof.

What would you accept as a proof if that doesn't clear the bar for you?

Qualia can't be definitively proven.