I was born with a unique ‘Port-Wine Stain’ birthmark on my left cheek, which made me stand out from a young age. Port-wine stains are deep red or purple birthmarks caused by abnormal blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Growing up, people would always ask about it, and I was shy early on in my youth, partly because of having to explain it repeatedly. However, my parents and siblings played a crucial role during these moments. Whenever people inquired about my birthmark, which was quite often, they would always say, ‘He’s lucky, it’s very lucky to have a birthmark.’ This message was repeatedly instilled in me, even though I didn’t fully believe it at the time. Now, as an adult, I’ve come to embrace it with humor and confidence.
Reflecting on my experiences and the challenges young people face today, I’ve supported Changing Faces Charity, a UK organization promoting facial equality. In a world dominated by social media and comparisons, it’s tough for those who look different to fit in. I’ve learned to see my birthmark as a unique trait, making me memorable. I’m committed to fighting appearance-related discrimination, a topic often overlooked, and I aim to raise awareness. While I haven’t been highly public about my support, I plan to do more in the future. I’ve connected with incredible individuals worldwide who celebrate their differences, turning them into superpowers. I wish I had role models like them in my youth.
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to embrace the idea that I am perfectly imperfect, and I hope that together, we can inspire both young people and adults to recognize their own unique perfection within imperfection. Perfectly perfect, both in our unique aesthetics and the beauty within.
Many people don’t know how to behave when they meet someone with a visible difference, whether it’s a facial birthmark or a bodily difference. Here are three tips for you:
- Respect and Kindness: Treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their appearance. Remember that each person is unique, and what makes them special goes beyond their physical appearance.
- Avoid Staring or Invasive Questions: Resist the urge to stare or ask intrusive questions about someone’s visible difference. If they choose to share their story, listen attentively, but don’t press them to do so.
- Be Inclusive: Embrace inclusivity and welcome individuals with visible differences into your social activities and conversations. Treating everyone with fairness and respect is not only the right thing to do, but it also promotes a more diverse and accepting community.
Embracing these simple tips can help create a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone, whether they have facial or bodily differences.
