Changing Faces, UK

"Poor representation is often the scariest part of Halloween." — John, Changing Faces campaigner. For many of us with visible differences, Halloween can be a reminder of how scars, burns, and other conditions are portrayed as "scary" or "shocking." John says: "When people with visible differences see their own appearance reflected in a way that is intended to scare or shock others, it can be deeply damaging." Costumes can be fun, creative, and inclusive—without using visible differences as shock factors. 🎃 Let’s make Halloween a time to embrace diversity and celebrate costumes that are fun and imaginative, without relying on harmful stereotypes. Read John's experiences: https://bit.ly/3Yk4WmF #Halloween #Inclusion #VisibleDifference #ChangingFaces #MindfulCelebration #RepresentationMatters #DiversityAndInclusion

We’re so excited to see Aldi embracing inclusivity with their latest toy, featuring a birthmark! 💖 Representation matters, and it's great to see more diversity in toys, helping kids feel seen and celebrated for their uniqueness. 🌟 Here are some live reactions from our wonderful community: Frith says: "This doll isn't just for people who look like me. It's for everyone. Everyone that wants more understanding, more acceptance, and for those who question that normal = beautiful." Campaigner Hannah says: “As soon as I saw that Aldi was selling a birthmark doll, I knew I had to try and get one. My pastoral support teacher at college surprised me with the vitiligo doll, which was so lovely. "The birthmark dolls all seem to be sold out near me, which goes to show just how important seeing yourself reflected in a toy is for people with visible differences." Lola's mum, Lucy, says: "As a parent of a child with a visible birthmark, I cannot put into words how seeing these dolls be released by such a large chain felt. I could an essay on it - but I won’t. I’m just here to say thank you, a million times over, for creating these dolls. I appreciate it more than you can ever understand." Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8TMAFuh

"It’s a trope, it’s outdated, and it has an impact." - Changing Faces campaigners. This Halloween, we'll see plenty of villains on our screens with scars and other visible differences to make them look "scary." And it’s not just in movies—people also dress up with fake scars or marks on their faces to make their costumes spookier, reinforcing the idea that looking different is something to fear. Our #IAmNotYourVillain campaign calls for more positive representation of people with visible differences in TV and film. We’d love to see heroes, love interests and comedic sidekicks who just happen to have a visible difference. It’s time for the film industry to stop using scars, burns, and other visible differences as a shorthand for "villainy".

Laura Mathias reporting to you live from the high street. 🛍️ It's 2024 and Halloween costumes are still selling us the narrative that scars are scary and visible differences are something to be feared. Poor representation is the scariest part of Halloween, so if you're celebrating this year, please be mindful and inclusive when planning your costumes. This way, we can all enjoy the festivities. 🎃 #HappyHalloween #SpookySeason #TrickOrTreat

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For people who undergo surgery as part of their treatment, it can be difficult to come to terms with their new body. Karen developed breast cancer at the age of 28. Since then, she’s acquired many surgical scars, including having undergone a double mastectomy. This is her story: “To lose my breasts in my 30s was very difficult. My husband became hugely protective of me, as he didn’t want people to treat me differently because of what I’d been through. “Not only was it a battle to accept my new appearance, but also to come to terms with losing a part of my sexuality. “While my visible difference can be hidden under clothes, that doesn’t mean it never impacts me. “Changing rooms can be intimidating. No one has ever said anything to me, but people do stare. Often, it’s looks of pity, and that can be hurtful, even with the best intentions. “There isn’t enough psychological support for women who lose their breasts. Your emotions fluctuate throughout your journey with cancer and that doesn’t immediately settle once the cancer is gone. You’re still having to live with its impacts. “Losing your breasts can also make you worry about how your partner will see you – thoughts of “will they stop being attracted to me?” go through your mind. “Most people I’ve met have said that this is the hardest part to cope with. It’s unspoken and remains behind closed doors. Many people I know have asked their partners for a divorce or separation because of it. The issue might be “aesthetic” but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a psychological impact too. “It’s taken me about 15 years to have the confidence to not worry about the way I look. For anyone in a similar position, don’t lose faith, try to sit with your new appearance and embrace it.” Karen's story continues: https://ow.ly/2oGQ50TOh02

It’s officially #SpookySeason. But before we all get carried away, let’s remember that #Halloween can be challenging for people with visible differences, as scars, marks and conditions start to become costume trends. Here’s your annual reminder that scars aren’t scary. And remember the real people behind your halloween costumes, who live with their scars and visible differences every day. That way, we can all have a Happy Halloween.

"I'm Oliver, and I have a condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), which causes tumours to grow along my nerves. "Recently, I was a long-term inpatient in a London hospital who was getting a bit tired of hospital food. Stepping outside for a break from hospital life, I came across a local eatery with delicious-looking food displayed in their windows. It was cash only, so I went to the machine around the corner and was back two minutes later to place an order. "To my shock, the staff asked me to leave. In their words, there had been complaints about me as my appearance was 'scaring the customers.' "I was so stunned that I asked them to repeat what they said. They did, so I left. I went back to my ward where the hospital staff rallied around me to support me. My family did too. We worked on a plan of action and received advice from Citizens Advice Bureau to report the incident to the police. "The Metropolitan Police classified it as a hate crime - in contravention of the Equalities Act of 2010. "I've always been aware that people with visible differences are often stared at or treated unfairly. Reflecting on my life, there have been moments where I've wondered whether my appearance influenced someone's unconscious bias - for example, in job interviews. However, this was the first time I experienced such direct discrimination. "I want to raise awareness of the types of appearance-related discrimination that people with visible differences can experience. I also want to inspire others to share their stories because the more awareness we raise about these hate crimes and incidents, the better. These behaviours should not be tolerated in modern Britain. "I understand some people might not want to 'make a fuss' or worry they won’t be taken seriously, but if we don’t speak out, we can’t drive change. "Representation of visible differences is still lacking. Normalising difference in media, on TV, and in daily life can help eliminate the discrimination that stems from it. I’m proud of the UK’s efforts to promote equality regarding gender, sex, race, and beliefs. But promoting equality for the visible difference community is just as important, and we still have a long way to go." This #HateCrimeAwarenessWeek, Oliver shares his experiences. Head to our website to also hear Oliver discuss his visible difference with actor Adam Pearson: https://ow.ly/IuIb50TMnI2

Friendly annual reminder from Kaylin that scars aren't scary and visible differences don't make a #HalloweenCostume. Let's celebrate with creativity, respect and kindness. 🦋

No one should experience abuse, in person or online, because of how they look. Yet, our new research shows that one third of people with a visible difference have experienced a hate crime - an increase from just over a quarter in 2019. 49% of those with a visible difference report that they’ve experienced hostile behaviours, from stares to verbal abuse, because of how they look. This has increased since 2019 from 34%. We know we can’t tackle visible hate on our own, so we’re encouraging more people to join us and challenge or report unacceptable behaviour if they witness it.

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay and the theme is workplace mental health. Campaigner Rhiannon shares her thoughts: "As someone with a rare skin condition, Epidermolytic Ichthyosis (EI), this is an important theme for myself and the wider visible difference community. "Workplace stress can be intensified for those with a visible difference, especially in customer-facing roles, where you can encounter people who aren't familiar with your visible difference who stare or ask inappropriate questions. Employers must recognize and address situations where employees feel uncomfortable. "Once, at a networking event, I was offered a handshake but I noticed soon after that they surreptitiously wiped their hand on their trousers. As I spoke, their eyes watched my hands, and then my neck and face. The other person was clearly uncomfortable and did not know how to react, but in that moment I knew that addressing it may make them feel embarrassed. All the while, I continued to pretend that the awkward interaction had never happened. Unconsciously, I was putting my own feelings about the interaction aside to make that person feel better. After all, I was representing my employer, I did not want to make a fuss. But it made me feel quite strange. "When I initially told my colleagues and my employer about things that I can experience at work, they were shocked. But it created a good opportunity for a valuable conversation about the ways in which the working environment can impact my mental health. An inclusive and encouraging employer who understands you really does make all the difference. I would encourage employers to listen to their employees who live with visible differences and to implement training and provide reasonable adjustments for those that would like the option." "Awareness days like World Mental Health Day provide a good reminder for all of us to check in on ourselves. Keeping in touch with your mental well-being, especially when you have a visible difference, is incredibly important." Read on to find out how Rhiannon takes care of her mental health: - #LinkInBio #WorkplaceMentalHealth #VisibleDifference #Ichthyosis #SkinCondition #EpidermolyticIchthyosis